The Gift of Awareness

I try to avoid doctors like the plague. Unless it’s one of my friends who happens to be a doctor and we’re doing something that doesn’t require prodding. It’s intimidating to undergo evaluation even when the outcome is beneficial. Ignorance may be bliss, but awareness sets change in motion. Awareness. What a sobering word.

I’ve been punting my annual physical for more than two decades. College, married life, children…life happens fast and every year it seemed like a larger hurdle. With a little encouragement, I decided this was the year and made the call. My wife Bethany and I went together. One minor operation later (some call it bloodwork) and I’m happy to announce that I survived. Well, for now. I’ve got test results rolling in like the tide, plotting levels on words I can’t pronounce. I’m just thankful there was no serological evidence of infection! Whatever that is. 

As I sat in the cold, sterile room, I reflected on the value of an evaluation. The essence of an evaluation is a determination of worth, or value based on close examination. I was curious just how much my ol’ ticker is worth anyway? Awareness is a powerful thing. It sets change in motion. 

Yesterday’s examination was still processing through my mind as I was reading my Bible this morning. I’ve been slowly wading through 1 Timothy and today I came to chapter 3 verses 1-7. It happens to be a portion of Scripture on the qualities of church leaders, specifically elders. While the character of godly leaders is the focus, it’s a general evaluation of how God measures a man. That’s an important thing to consider.  

It’s a vulnerable position to be physically evaluated. It’s also a vulnerable position to be spiritually evaluated. But that’s a core function of God’s Word. So many times I turn to God’s Word for encouragement or comfort amid the day’s challenges, but how necessary it is to open it up for evaluation. Ignorance may be bliss, but awareness sets things in motion. My life needs to be evaluated against God’s Word rather than the ever-changing cultural climate. The characteristics of godliness aren’t a moving target. Praise God for the clarity that comes from His Word.

The qualities of a godly man are radically different from the world’s version. I’m not knocking the “world,” I was just astonished by the sharp contrast. A few qualities that stood out were sensible, hospitable, gentle, and self-controlled. I don’t see these qualities celebrated much today even in the community of faith. It goes against the grain of our culture. But that’s the Jesus way. 

The evaluation against God’s Word indicated that some of my levels were off. But that’s the power of evaluation. Ignorance may be bliss, but awareness sets change in motion! 

Thank God we have a Great Physician who heals physically, but of far greater import, spiritually. He doesn’t simply fix us but empowers us to live into our new creation. Awareness, confession, repentance. Jesus our healer and the Spirit our helper. A lot can happen through evaluation!