Know Thy Self

For if anyone considers himself to be something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But each person should examine his own work, then he will have a reason for boasting in himself alone, not in respect to someone else. For each person will have to carry his own load. Galatians 5:3-5

These verses come after an exhortation to carry one another's burdens. The whole theme in Galatians is not being caught up in legalism or trapping other believers into a works program and then taking benefit from their works.

However, I am drawn to the above verses. I know that it is easy to think we are cruising when in fact we are benefiting from someone else's sacrifice. We must truly know ourselves and have insight into what causes blessing and success in our lives.

In whose shadow are we walking? Did we really create this event, product or circumstance or are we stealing someone else's glory?

I know that my God has inspired me to do two things of late and the glory is not mine but His. It is important that I see this and not become enamored with myself unnecessarily.

When we are told that we should examine our own work, this is an invitation to take time, preferably with The Lord and allow him to shine His light. Attitudes of darkness are then brought into the light and we have an opportunity to meet truth. Truth can set us free and protect us from the enemy's traps. A healthy exercise! Amen!