2 Corinthians 6:1 We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.

During a preflight demonstration a flight attendant shows you how to apply the oxygen mask. Instructions are given to place this on yourself before applying to young children. The natural instincts of loving parents is to insure the safety of the children first.

Now let us apply this same principle to the Word of the Lord. There are times when you come across a Word of the Lord that is needful, much like the oxygen is needful. Do you think about someone who could be encouraged or instructed or chastened as a needful thing? Perhaps you do because it is part of this ministry of fellowship to which we all share.

Did you apply that Word of the Lord to yourself first?

Natural instincts are to help those you love but in order to do that, we need to make sure we have put on the Word ourselves first before we can help others.

Ecclesiastes 8:9 All this have I seen, and applied my heart unto every work that is done under the sun: there is a time wherein one man ruleth over another to his own hurt.

If you do not apply the Word of the Lord to yourself first, you are only lording it over others.

Job 27:12 Behold, all ye yourselves have seen it; why then are ye thus altogether vain?

Yesterday I said this was my take away from the events of September 26, 2017. That will need some explaining. It is my take away, not yours. It is a Word from the Lord in my circumstance, not yours. For you to understand takes more than a quick quote.

My Lord God has blessed me beyond what I am worthy to receive. He has done more than just save me. He has given me a personal relationship which is everything to me. I would not want to continue in this world without Him. Luckily I don’t have to do that, He is with me.

He has given me a calling which is suited perfectly with the gifts that He has given me. I delight in both the gifts and the calling. He has placed me in a church body which gives me love, a ministry or two, and fellowship which is extremely satisfying.

I am so blessed, thank you Lord. Now where does vanity come into play? I’ve lost that connection for what it feels like to be something less blessed, less gifted, and out of sorts in a meaningful relationship. I am impatient with those who cannot see what I see so clearly. I have become vain in my speech to those who are still on the path but have not yet found their calling, developed those gifts, or just haven’t experienced the closeness of the Lord as He intends.

Tuesday the Lord reminded me how it feels to be out of sorts, disconnected, searching for answers and coming up short. I am no one special. The Lord is special. All that I am, all that I have, all that I love and cherish is because of Him.

Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

We get there the same way, it is no different for any of us. Jesus first.