Need To Know II

“You have searched me, Lord, and you know me… Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely” Ps.139:1& 4 [NIV]

You have to consistently check the people around you because people change; some actually get better while some get worse. Have you ever heard the story of Lagos? There are different versions of the story of Lagos but I will tell you the version an Oba [king] told me. The Oba of Lagos had always been prosperous. He had many wives but out of the many wives, one was special. The Oba of Benin on the other hand, in expanding the Benin kingdom, had launched several campaigns against the Oba of Lagos, but failed. The Oba of Lagos had always been able to defend his territory.

But one day, he offended his special wife. So she went and married the Oba of Benin. She came loaded with intelligence, the secrets of the Oba of Lagos and she revealed all to her new king, the Oba of Benin. And of course the next campaign was a wash out. But the Oba of Lagos was very wise; he immediately divided his land among his children and conceded to Ado, the son of the Oba of Benin. And till this day, the Oba of Benin determines the Oba of Lagos. But why did Lagos fall? It was because there was somebody within that betrayed the king. I have news for you. Not everyone around you is for you. I am not saying you should go around suspecting everybody. It is just a fact; but as believers, we depend on the Holy Spirit for intelligence.

Know yourself. One of the greatest disservice you can do to yourself is to think that you are who you are not. Some people pretend to be who they are not for long enough that they themselves begin to believe it. That is one of the greatest disservice you can do. Unto yourself be true. There are three steps to knowing yourself.

#1: Unto yourself be true. Be brutal about telling yourself the truth.

#2: Look into the Word of God. It is like a mirror; look into it and you will see yourself.

#3: Ask the Holy Spirit and He will show you yourself. Once you know yourself then you can improve yourself. For example, one has to know first and foremost that he or she likes lying. Then he or she can improve self, read books that help, and get help. Just know yourself.

Prayer: Precious Holy Spirit, You know me. I ask that You please reveal me to me Lord, in Jesus Name.