“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 own 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 us; that takes trusting Him wholeheartedly. 2 Corinthians 4:7 reminds us that we have the wonderful message of the Gospel placed in us as weaken vessels to display God’s 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 are more inclined to readily pray for spiritual discernment in recognizing our own limitations, leaning, and depending on God to conduct His divine plan in and through us. “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 urges us to continuously seek spiritual growth and development. 1Peter 2:2 admonishes us “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:”

The bible teaches us that we reap what we sow; if we sow spiritual fruit that only comes from the guidance and empowerment of the Holy Spirit, we will reap the spiritual blessings and eternal life that He has prepared for us. (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) Ephesians 5:9.

When we first 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.” Walking worthy of our calling and doing good to and for others should be the primary focus of our lives.

So, it is first me, then you. Let us choose to walk confident in Jesus Christ our Lord and then seek to help all those that we can along this Christian journey!

God blessings of love, joy and mercy be with us all.