More Than Navel-Gazing
Written by Rev. Dr. Scott Paczkowski
“Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers. ”
The pastors I grew up with struggled because their congregants accused them of either navel-gazing or focusing on pop psychology rather than the Bible. It was the “either/or” thinking that kept people of faith from fully appreciating the Word. The sacred Scriptures were written not simply to be memorized, but to influence who we are and how we relate to God. Divining self-knowledge from Scripture is central to how we read the Bible and nurture our faith.
Self-knowledge provides the emotional maturity necessary to make life decisions based on our faith and vision for ourselves. If we do not nurture our self-knowledge, we will be thrown about by the whims of others or whatever is culturally popular at a given time. Nick Trenton, in his book, How to Find Yourself, warns the reader that if self-knowledge is not nurtured, “…someone reaches middle age and suddenly, they’re in ‘crisis.’” Not knowing oneself is disorienting. Trenton reminds us, “The Oracle at Delphi famously had the words inscribed with, ‘Know thyself.’” Questioning one’s life and direction is normal, but not having clarity keeps one rudderless.
Addressing family dynamics, residual shame, and undefined expectations is a helpful place to start. Contemplating what makes you feel worthy is not navel-gazing but an essential path to self-direction. If we remain rudderless, we limit ourselves and limit how much we have to offer others. A fundamental fear is once we learn who we are, we will be disappointed. We must remember that remaining rudderless will undoubtedly keep us disappointed.
Today, contemplate your self-knowledge. Do not let yourself off the hook by diminishing the process by claiming to be navel-gazing. Invite God into the process through directed prayer. Concern for self-knowledge isn’t selfish, but a means of preparing to be your most-faithful self. Take your time, and do not be hard on yourself. Treat yourself with the same respect you’d treat someone else for whom you care. As you move through the process of self-realization, your chosen path will be illuminated, and a deep sense of joy will return.
