“Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?” 2 Corinthians 13:5

It is essential for every man to examine himself or prove himself when desiring to provide help to others in the Word of God. It is like the flight attendants instructions to parents before takeoff; if trouble is experienced and cabin pressure is being lost, the parent must place their own mask on first and then secure the mask of the child.

We must be confident in our spiritual walk. As new creatures in Christ we have the heart and soul to do whatever God has called us to do. But, that also takes the humbleness to recognize our own weaknesses. It is only by the power of the Holy Spirit that we can walk in the path that He has designed for our lives. We must be willing to trust Him wholeheartedly. 2 Corinthians 4:7 reminds us that the power of the gospel has been placed in us as weaken vessels to display His power. “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.”

When we embrace through hope the love that is within us, it provides the spiritual strength that we need to live up to our God given purpose. We must learn to lean and depend on God to carry out His divine plan. God gives us peace of mind and strength to utilize the gifts that we are given for His glory.       “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Philippians 4:13.

Knowing that we are the children of God assures us of innumerous spiritual blessings from on high. Embracing our new life helps us to overcome fear, pain and struggles that we face. This “God-confidence” deters us from blaming others for our own areas of weakness and instead allows us to continuously grow and develop into the vessels that God has designed for us to be.

The bible teaches us that we reap what we sow; if we sow spiritual fruit through the guidance and empowerment of the Holy Spirit, we will reap the spiritual blessings and ultimately eternal life that He has prepared for us. When we submit to these spiritual truths we are more equipped to help our brothers and sisters in Christ. Galatians 6:9 admonishes us “Let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” Doing good to and for others should be the business of our lives. It should be our hearts desire to bless others wherever we have the opportunity.

So it’s first me, then you. Let’s choose to walk confident in Jesus Christ our Lord and then help somebody along this Christian journey!