“Should the cabin lose pressure, oxygen masks will drop from the overhead area. Please place the mask over your own mouth and nose before assisting others.”
If you’ve ever flown on a commercial flight, you’ve heard this phrase. The flight attendants repeat it each and every time, without fail. Why? Because they know you’re worthless to help the person next to you if you can’t breathe. It’s really pretty simple.
I love this analogy because it translates so well to the way we should come alongside people who are following Christ. We need to “place the mask” on our own face and fill up with God’s power before we start helping others. How do we do this?
I’m so glad you asked.
Here are a few suggestions to help you grow in your walk with Christ:
Consume the Word. The Bible is God’s Word to us. Hebrews 4:12 tells us the Word of God is alive and powerful. Sometimes it’s hard to make time to dive right into the Bible, but it’s worth it. Dedicate time each day to read it and ask God to reveal Himself to you. I promise He will. Keep reading and keep searching because God loves a heart that seeks Him.
Communicate with God. You communicate with people in your everyday life; do the same with God. He wants to hear from you. Hebrews 4:16 says we can come boldly to the throne of our gracious God, and when we do we will receive his mercy and find grace to help us when we need it most. God wants you to bring your requests to Him, and He wants to speak to you—so listen!
Count your blessings. Blessings are simply things that make your life full and good. You have things that make you full and good right? Of course you do. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 reminds us to be thankful in all circumstances because it’s God’s will! Spend some time each day thanking God for what He has provided and what He will do in the future.
Consider your mind. Romans 12:2 urges us to let God transform us into new people by changing the way we think, so find a piece of your day that’s just for spending with God. But don’t forget to bring God into your entire day. Consider His presence when you decide what to allow into your mind. Colossians 3:2 plainly says we should set our minds on things above and not on earthly things. So listen to podcasts, read books, and listen to music that will direct your mind back to God!
