In the last After the Show message we spoke about Knowing Yourself. Some of you may have learned a little more than you would have liked.
I remember when I had taken a similar inventory and I was ashamed at the person I truly was. Sure, we all like to believe we're good people because we're not serial killers, rapists, or bank robbers, but to know that:
- we don't speak life into our spouses or children...and actually speak negative things into them...
- to know that we don't have everything all together...
- to know that we can do better - A LOT BETTER!
Sometimes these thoughts are overwhelming and if we don't handle them properly, we can slide down the slippery slope of despair. But alas, all is not lost!
Philippians 4:6-7 (KJV) - Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Philippians 1:6 (KJV) - Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ
As Paul was convinced that the good work started within the saints in Philippi would continue until the day of Jesus Christ – how much more for us today! I truly believe God will continue to correct and perfect the areas of our lives that are lacking (as long as we allow Him – Titus 2:11-14). There are some things that will change overnight...and others that may take a while longer. The key for us is to remain committed to the Lord and believe that a better tomorrow (and today) is more than possible through Him!
Galatians 6:9 (KJV) - And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
This inventory should not be a one-time event, but something that occurs periodically. There will be times when the Lord will remind you...and other times...the Lord will remind you - He'll have His ways of getting His point across!
