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Made for Mondays | STEPS

Step Four: The Examination: A Fearless Inventory

This week on Made for Mondays, Heather is joined by Jamey, Adrienne, and Kirk for a conversation that might sound intimidating at first—but turns out to be deeply freeing. Together, they unpack Step 4 of the STEPS journey: a searching and fearless moral inventory.

Yes… fearless. Deep breaths.
And no—this is not a shame spiral.

After some weekend chitchat and reminding us all that we’re real people with real lives, the group reflects on this week’s Bible reading, centering especially on Psalm 139—a passage that is both comforting and confronting in the best possible way.

From there, the conversation moves into the heart of the step.

Pastor Jamey reframes moral inventory not as condemnation, but as inspection—bringing what’s real into God’s light so it can finally be healed. Anchored in Psalm 139 and shaped by the truth of Romans 8:1 (“There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus”), Step 4 becomes less about self-punishment and more about Spirit-led honesty.

Here’s where the conversation goes:

• First reactions to “moral inventory”
The group starts light—but honest—naming the gut reactions many of us have when we hear that phrase: avoidance, anxiety, curiosity, or something else entirely. Those reactions often reveal how we’ve been taught to look at ourselves—and what we expect to happen when we do.

• Inspection vs. condemnation
Jamey talks about the subtle but important difference between avoiding self-examination out of fear and inviting God into the process with trust. One leads to hiding; the other leads to healing.

• Shame-based introspection vs. Spirit-led inventory
The group contrasts the inner spiral of shame with the gentle conviction of the Holy Spirit. They reflect on what helps them stay honest without turning inward reflection into self-punishment—and how “no condemnation” reshapes the entire process.

• From vague to specific
Referencing Lew Smedes’ insight that vague confession leads to vague forgiveness, the conversation explores how easy it is to hide behind general phrases like “I’m just struggling.” The group encourages naming the actual thing—carefully, honestly, and safely—so freedom can take root.

• The courage of Psalm 139
Psalm 139:23–24 becomes the centerpiece: “Search me, God… lead me.”
Why does that prayer feel risky? And what picture of God helps us trust Him enough to pray it anyway? The group reflects on inviting Jesus into one specific area of life this week—not harshly, but gently and truthfully.

• Practice, not pressure
As this Year of Practice continues, the group reminds listeners that Step 4 isn’t about rushing or fixing. It’s about cooperating with God. They discuss small, realistic ways to make space this week—through prayer, journaling, or quiet—for God to surface what actually needs attention next.

The episode closes with this reminder:
Step 4 isn’t about fixing yourself. It’s about trusting God.
You don’t have to do it fast.
You don’t have to do it alone.
And nothing you uncover is a surprise to Him.

The group also highlights the value of BeGroups—wh

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