Knowing Ourselves
Know Your Strengths – Part 1
Scripture Reading: 2 Corinthians 6:1-7
Key Verse: 2 Corinthians 6:7
We faithfully preach the truth. God’s power is working in us. We use the weapons of righteousness in the right hand for attack and the left hand for defense.
According to most studies, the clear majority of us suffer from low self-esteem. That makes it almost impossible for us to enjoy the abundant life that God created us to live. Low self-esteem makes it difficult to kick bad habits, have peaceful relationships, or to sense fulfillment in our life. Jesus didn’t come to earth, die on the cross, and be resurrected by the power of God to give us a better self-esteem. However, when we accept Jesus into our lives and receive the gift of eternal life, positive changes begin to happen to our perspective of ourselves and our lives. That is one reason the first verse of our suggested reading for today starts with, “we beg you not to accept this marvelous gift of God’s kindness and then ignore it.” Once we accept God’s gift of salvation, through Jesus, we must walk in obedience to Jesus’ teaching. Jesus’ teaching leads us to abundant living and that makes us feel good about ourselves! In other words, a positive self-esteem is a by-product of our salvation in Jesus!
Being obedient to the teachings of Jesus in the world we live in is never easy! The good news is that the key verse for today reminds us that we don’t walk this journey alone: “God’s power is working in us.” This is the secret of the Christian life, letting the power of God’s spirit empower us as we “stay in step with God’s Spirit” (Galatians 5:25).
If you are a believer today and have received Jesus, then you have God’s Holy Spirit in you! (Romans 8:9). In our devotionals this week, I want you to realize the powerful strengths you have because of God’s mighty power living in you. Yes, we are weak without Him, but with Him we are strong! Believe it and live it.
Father, I praise you for the power and strength that is mine because of Jesus in me! I will live it today. In Jesus’ Name, amen.