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We’re all driven by something, whether we’re aware of it or not. Our motivating factors determine the “why” behind the “what.” It’s the same with our faith. If we’re just calling out lip service and saying we believe in God but don’t act like it in our everyday life, something’s off.

Be willing to test the conditions of your heart to find out what makes you tick and why. It’s a way to transform into who God has created us to be. Plus, there are three benefits to examining your heart:

Examination Brings Calmness

When we dig into the “why” behind the “what” and name our motivation out loud, there’s a wave of release that rushes out and we can breathe easy, knowing we’ve let God in on the hidden things of our life. We may be afraid of what we find, but God isn’t. Once we admit where we are, He is the One who can take our misguided motivation and realign us to His purposes.

Examination Brings Closeness

Because God designed us for two-way relationship, that need is felt in our soul when we go over who we are with the One who placed our deep desires and hopes in us. God is always drawing us closer, inviting us to continually assess our hearts because He wants to ultimately shape us into the likeness of Jesus Christ, His Son.

Examination Brings Clarity

Once the mud of our own motivation is cleaned and replaced with the light of Christ, we see things from an eternal perspective. Understanding our place on God’s team allows us to redirect our efforts to encourage and help others. It’s not about us anymore, but rather, what we can bring to God for the greatest impact on our teammates, family and community for His Kingdom.

The more we’re willing to ask ourselves the hard questions, the more we can uncover and have God fill us with His perspective. If integrity is what we’re after, both in athletics and life, then we must constantly be aware of our heart’s desire and adjust it as often as need be to live out the love of God to a world looking for real motivation.