Introspection

Virginia: As you begin to mature you turn inward again, and we call that introspection. Jesus said when he was ordaining the twelve, that he did not believe in religious introspection. He never taught character building, but rather character growth. My question is, how can we examine ourselves without religious introspection? Of course I do make a distinction in my own mind between religion and spirituality, but what do we do if we don't take a good look at our position, spiritually?

Andirondeck: The distinction to be made here is one between religious introspection and introspection. Religious introspection has historically meant lecturing oneself regarding a list of shoulds — I should have faith, I should be giving. While these are important messages, true introspection involves listening versus lecturing. 

Virginia: That certainly helps. But, there are certain things that I would say — I should be kind, I should be loving, and some of the fruits of the spirit that I would like to see increased, and that only comes as a result of examining oneself, and that isn't a list of religious shoulds, it's a list, to me, of spiritual growth; and you have to examine oneself in order to be honest so that you can grow.

Andirondeck: This is true, but there must be a balance achieved between listening and looking for fault, for shortcomings, and mortals are often on the short end in terms of listening.

Daniel: The problem with religions introspection is that it tends to be egoistic and self-centered. In terms of your culture, you have a saying, 'a watched pot never boils.' The energy consumed in introspecting about one's spiritual level takes one's attention away from others, from service motivation, and draws the world
into the suction of a self-centered thinking process. Jesus was the perfect human being because he turned over every decision to the guidance of his Indwelling Adjustor, his Father. And to the extent that a person, a mortal, can stop worrying about his or her spiritual status and desire above all to do the same thing, to say that it is my will that your will be done, and turn their attention to others in service, will they then approximate to some degree or another the life of our Master.  

I would advise you to turn away from a formalized approach to this self-appraisal, except when you stumble. When you stumble, and you know clearly that you have erred, that you have done that which is in error, then take a good look at it until the picture is clear, stand up, get back on your journey, and give it no more thought in terms of your regret or guilt. Remember the lesson, yes, but put your gaze forward.