A Meaningful Lent: Using Wesley’s Questions for Self-Reflection
The season of Lent is one of contemplation and self-reflection. To make this holy season a meaningful one that leads to the real joy of the resurrection, we need to take a pause from the busyness of our day-to-day to examine our own lives as they align with Christ's teachings and example.
John Wesley, founder of the Methodist movement, invited members of his Holy Clubs to engage in regular reflection using a series of 22 Questions for Christian Accountability. The questions are nearly 300 years old but still have relevance in our modern spiritual lives. At UMCL, we've revisited these questions as a part of our Lenten journey, and we invite you to join us. Included are scriptures related to each question along with insights from Russ Broomell.
22 Questions for Christian Accountability
1. Am I consciously or unconsciously creating the impression that I am better than I really am?
Scripture: Luke 18:9–14; Romans 12:3
Broomell Insight: Authentic discipleship begins with honesty; transformation requires truth-telling in community.
2. Am I honest in all my acts and words, or do I exaggerate?
Scripture: Ephesians 4:25; Proverbs 12:22
Broomell Insight: Integrity is a daily practice that shapes our witness.
3. Do I confidentially pass on to another what was told to me in confidence?
Scripture: Proverbs 11:13; James 3:2–10
Broomell Insight: Trust sustains accountability groups; without it, discipleship collapses.
4. Can I be trusted?
Scripture: Luke 16:10–12; 1 Corinthians 4:2
Broomell Insight: Faithfulness in small commitments forms Christlike character.
5. Am I a slave to dress, friends, work, or habits?
Scripture: Galatians 5:1; 1 Corinthians 6:12
Broomell Insight: Disciples examine what shapes their identity more than Christ.
6. Am I self-conscious, self-pitying, or self-justifying?
Scripture: Luke 9:23; Philippians 2:3–5
Broomell Insight: True discipleship moves us from self-focus to Christ-focus.
7. Did the Bible live in me today?
Scripture: Psalm 119:105; Colossians 3:16
Broomell Insight: Scripture is not just read—it is practiced.
8. Do I give the Bible time to speak to me every day?
Scripture: Joshua 1:8; Matthew 4:4
Broomell Insight: Time with Scripture is a non-negotiable rhythm of discipleship.
9. Am I enjoying prayer?
Scripture: Philippians 4:6–7; 1 Thessalonians 5:17
Broomell Insight: Prayer becomes joy when it shifts from obligation to relationship.
10. When did I last speak to someone else of my faith?
Scripture: Romans 1:16; Matthew 28:19–20
Broomell Insight: Disciples naturally share what is transforming them.
11. Do I pray about the money I spend?
Scripture: Matthew 6:19–21; Luke 12:15
Broomell Insight: Stewardship is a spiritual discipline, not a budget exercise.
12. Do I go to bed on time and get up on time?
Scripture: Psalm 127:2; Ephesians 5:15–16
Broomell Insight: Healthy rhythms support sustainable discipleship.
13. Do I disobey God in anything?
Scripture: John 14:15; James 1:22
Broomell Insight: Obedience is the visible fruit of love for Christ.
14. Do I insist upon doing something about which my conscience is uneasy?
Scripture: Romans 14:23; Proverbs 4:23
Broomell Insight: The Spirit often speaks through holy unease.
15. Am I defeated in any part of my life?
Scripture: Romans 8:37; 2 Corinthians 12:9
Broomell Insight: Discipleship creates space for healing, not hiding.
16. Am I jealous, impure, critical, irritable, touchy, or distrustful?
Scripture: Galatians 5:19–23; 1 Corinthians 13:4–7
Broomell Insight: Fruit inspection helps disciples notice inner transformation.
17. How do I spend my spare time?
Scripture: Ephesians 5:15–17; Psalm 90:12
Broomell Insight: Time reveals priorities more honestly than words.
18. Am I proud?
Scripture: Proverbs 16:18; James 4:6
Broomell Insight: Humility opens the door to growth.
19. Is there anyone I fear, dislike, disown, criticize, hold a resentment toward, or disregard?
Scripture: Matthew 5:23–24; Ephesians 4:31–32
Broomell Insight: Relational holiness is inseparable from loving difficult people.
20. Do I grumble or complain constantly?
Scripture: Philippians 2:14–15; Numbers 11:1
Broomell Insight: Gratitude reshapes the disciple’s outlook and witness.
21. Is Christ real to me?
Scripture: Galatians 2:20; John 15:4–5
Broomell Insight: Discipleship is about living connection, not religious activity.
22. Am I intentionally growing as a disciple of Jesus?
Scripture: Luke 6:40; 2 Peter 3:18
Broomell Insight: Growth is intentional, communal, and Spirit-led.