Draw a Map of
Yourself
September 9, 2002
I'm convinced the process of growth rests on our
dedication to truth. Take for example, a map. If I wanted to
drive from Portland to Denver I'd have to drive east. But
getting to Denver in a reasonable period of time would require
more than following the rising sun. I'd need a map. If the map I
used was forty years old, it wouldn't do me much good. At the
time it was drawn that map represented reality. But reality
changes as new roads are built. And maps need to be updated so
they represent those changes. I'd need a current map that
accurately portrays current roads, distances and cities.
Of course, examining road maps, which represent
the world outside of us, is never as painful as examining the
world within. But to progress in our relationship with God and
other people, we must be totally dedicated to the truth. And our
dedication should drive us to make an accurate map of ourselves.
One that accurately reflects our fears, disappointments,
addictions, sins, resentments, strengths, weaknesses and other
things we would rather keep hidden. Things we would rather not
face the truth about.
The temptation at this stage is to lie to
ourselves. To whitewash reality so we don't look "all that bad."
So we don't have to experience the pain of seeing our flaws. So
we don't have to suffer the pain of letting go of some attitudes
and actions that we've been holding on to.
But you can't do that. You need a map of yourself
that reflects reality so you can move on with the growth
process. Taking this step requires courage and fearlessness. It
necessitates an infusion of the grace of God. And it demands a
few close friends you've given permission to tell you truthfully
how they see you.
My friend, Dr. Rod Cooper, first introduced me to
the idea of personal mapping. And over the years we've helped
each other keep our internal maps updated. Of course, the idea
isn't new, it's as old as the Bible. Solomon wrote: "The wounds
of a friend can be trusted" (Prov. 27:6). Paul exhorted us to
"speak the truth in love." James, the half-brother of Jesus
wrote: "Confess your sins to one another" (James 5:16). Solomon
may have said it best in Proverbs 9 where he repeatedly extolled
the virtue of eagerly receiving reproof.
If you'll review the verses I just noted, you'll
see that there's an interchange between a man and his friends .
. . a give and take. A man admits the sins he's aware of and
lets his friends point out some he may not see. Together they
draw a map of the man's character. The process is painful but
necessary.
As Mighty Men we're dedicated to truth. And we're
dedicated to the kind of relationships that will help us draw an
accurate map of our character. If enough of us aggressively
pursue truth, and the God of truth, revival will come--one man,
one day at a time.
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