“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 COR 12:9)
Self-examination isn’t fun. Who enjoys criticism or a long hard look in the mirror on our worst day? If you tried to hold a magnifying glass over my heart, I would run! But God knows everything about our worst features, and still He calls flawed people to step out in service.
We must see our weakness to rely completely on God’s inexhaustible strength and glorify Him within our hearts and community. As a small group Guide, you have the privilege of pointing God’s people back to His Word amidst life’s joys and hardships. But to guide Bible study by biblical example, we need to continually check our example in light of the One who called us.
Guide your small group by example and self-examine two things:
…your relationship with the Lord
…your relationship with your community
1. Relationship with the Lord
A genuine heart for service flows out of a relationship with the Lord. Dependence on Him grows in time spent with Him, and love for God becomes the true motivation to guide others. So how’s your relationship looking? Is it…
Passionate?
Do you immerse yourself in His Word beyond prepping group Bible study? Is it brightening your everyday? Your small group involvement cannot overshadow your personal devotion. Set aside quiet time for you and Him alone; God has every ability to grow your passion for Him and to make your passion contagious to your group members!
Personal?
Do you hide any of yourself from Him? Nothing about you surprises God. He’s called you and prepared every challenge as a Group Guide to sharpen you. Do you take comfort in His personal design? Personal confidence in your Creator preserves you amidst imperfect people.
Prayerful?
Do you delight in speaking with God? He’s faithful whether we’re fervent or failing, but sometimes we forget prayer is His gift of communication — anytime we confess, praise, give thanks, and ask — God makes His nearness known. Communication with God always transforms your words to others.
“…just as the Son of Man did not come to be served,
but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”
