Taking A Step Back

"Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves..."2 Corinthians 13:5"

For the saints of God there are times in our lives when we have got to take a step back in order to see the big picture. This is not an invitation to backslide, but an invitation for an examination. Our relationship with God is continually evolving, like a marriage union, what may have been God's will for you last year may not be this year. For this reason we should never become so presumptuous that we get out of the will of God and begin to live in rebellion.

Brothers and sisters, this a good question to ask yourselves, "am I really living in the will of God or have I gotten ahead of him and fallen into the will of man". Getting ahead of God is a key sign of self righteousness and or pride. Presumptuous men and women like king Saul are in store for a great fall. I am reminded of the scripture that says "a man's pride shall bring him low" Proverb 29:23. We should be reminded that pride is subtle. A prideful man will not receive correction, for buried deep in his heart his will is greater than The Lords.

Whenever you find yourself fighting with a donkey like Balaam your in trouble Number 22:25-30. Stop what your doing. Consult God before the donkey you are riding on turns around and rebukes you. I believe that we can spare ourselves a whole lot of unnecessary frustration if we simply follow the leading of The Lord. It should be noted that Godly Pastors are the chosen vessels to Shepherd and feed the flock of God, in turn they give spiritual direction as his Oracles. One may say that they have sought and prayed for direction from The Lord. I would like to present to you that Balaam also sought The Lord, so how did he end up outside of God's will? Because he sought it not in faith. Yes. Balaam wanted to hear what he wanted to hear, and not what God was really saying. Even now there are those who profess Christianity that have itching ears! The bible says that Balaam loved the wages of unrighteousness 2 Peter 2:16. This concept can apply to any situation, do you love the wages of self promotion or popularity? If I could have a sub topic to this blogg entry it would be "What is driving you". Both Balaam and king Saul are products of false motives. Are your motives true? Can you prove it not only to yourself but to others in the body of Christ?

Getting ahead of God is a by-product of self righteousness. Without saying, it is a subtle expression that you do not need God or his leadership, you are self sufficient. When you get like that God will stop dealing with you just as he stopped dealing with king Saul. Yes, you will be rejected "for rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry". 1 Samuel 15:23 

Job was a righteous man with an underlying condition. He had an issue of self righteousness. Whenever you begin to question the very God that has kept you until now you have got an issue. You are in need of an examination, and not all examinations can be done in the comfort of your own home. God has specialists called Pastors that you can go to for a proper examination and diagnosis. Brethren, let us examine ourselves to see whether we be in the faith. Blessings to all.

Authored by: John W. Jenkins
Last Days Ministries Apostolic Church