The Centipede's Dilemma: Faith, Focus & Living Without Overthinking
Escaping the trap of endless introspection to live boldly for Christ.
We live in an age obsessed with introspection.
Therapy, self-help, journaling, life audits, personality quizzes—you name it. While there’s value in reflection, there’s a danger too: we’ve begun to mistake endless self-analysis for actual living.
Like the centipede in the old parable who forgets how to walk when asked which leg moves first, we too can become paralyzed by thinking too much.
This is the Centipede’s Dilemma.
Instead of moving in obedience, we’re stuck in loops:
“Am I ready yet?”
“What if I fail?”
“What if I’m not being authentic enough?”
But Scripture never tells us to wait until we fully understand ourselves before following God. It simply says:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”
— Proverbs 3:5–6
The path forward is rarely found in excessive introspection—it’s found in trust, obedience, and action.
Peter didn’t ask for a personality breakdown before stepping out of the boat.
Abraham didn’t demand clarity before leaving his homeland.
Mary didn’t pause to process every possibility before saying yes to God.
They moved in faith, as God called them.
Today, the enemy doesn’t always attack through sin. Sometimes, he just gets us to sit down and analyze ourselves into spiritual paralysis.
There ARE times for reflection. But there’s also a time to get up and walk—even when we don’t have all the answers.
Let’s not forget how to live because we’re too busy thinking about how to live.
Reflection Questions:
Where might I be overthinking something God has already told me to do?
Have I confused reflection with obedience?
Am I trusting more in my understanding—or in God’s voice?