Less Of Me, More Of Him

Monday, July 13

 2 Corinthians 13:5 (NKJV)

“Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified.”

Devotion

We spend so much of our lives looking around.Looking at what others are doing. Looking at how others are growing. Looking at what others have been given. Looking at where others may be falling short.

But every so often, the Lord gently turns the mirror around. Not to shame us. Not to condemn us. But to invite us closer.

Paul's words are not a call to become consumed with ourselves. They are a call to honestly ask, "Is Jesus being formed in me?"

The Christian life was never meant to be merely outward. It is not about appearances, performance, or religious activity. It is about the reality of Christ living within us. Paul asks a profound question: "Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?"

What a beautiful reminder. The focus of this passage is not ultimately self-examination. The focus is Christ in us. When we examine our lives, we are not searching for perfection. We are looking for evidence of His presence. Are we becoming more like Jesus? Do we love what He loves? Are we quick to repent when we fail? Is His Spirit producing fruit in our lives?

The longer we walk with Jesus, the more our lives should reflect Him. Our words, our attitudes, our priorities, and our desires begin to change as His Spirit works within us. What once ruled us loses its grip. What once seemed impossible becomes possible through His grace.

The world tells us the answer is found within ourselves. “Follow your heart.” “Trust yourself.” “Look deeper inside and discover who you truly are.” But Scripture tells a different story. When we examine ourselves, we do not find the solution to our problems. We find our need for a Savior.

The heart apart from Christ is not our guide. It is the very thing that must be surrendered to Him (Jeremiah 17:9). The more honestly we examine ourselves, the more we recognize our need to repent, turn away from sin, and run toward Jesus. Paul's call to examine ourselves was never meant to lead us into self-obsession. It was meant to lead us to Christ.

When we look within, we should see the evidence of His work. The fingerprints of His grace. The fruit of His Spirit. The transformation that only He can produce. Not self-reliance. But surrender. Not self-discovery. But repentance.

Not looking deeper within. But looking higher to Christ, the Author and Perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:1).

The goal of the Christian life is not becoming the best version of ourselves. It is becoming more like Jesus. Not more of me. More of Him (John 3:30).

Today's Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, 

Lord, search my heart and reveal anything that does not reflect You. Help me to welcome Your correction and walk in humility before You. Thank You that my confidence is not in my performance, but in Your presence within me. Show me where I have trusted myself more than You. Give me a heart that is quick to repent and quick to run toward Your grace. Continue to transform me into Your image. Let my life bear fruit that points others to Jesus. May there be less of me and more of You each day. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Apply It Today

Ask yourself one simple question today: "Does my life reflect more of Jesus than it did yesterday?" Invite God to reveal one attitude, habit, or desire that He wants to transform. Then take one practical step of obedience, trusting that lasting change comes through His Spirit, not your own strength.

Resources
  • Join us in praying for our KidPak (Pre-K–6th Grade) ministry as Summer Xtreme kicks off today and continues through Friday! Pray that every child encounters the love of Jesus, builds lasting friendships, and grows in their faith.