A mother was pushing a stroller through a city park. The baby was screaming and wouldn't stop. The mother could see people watching and was embarrassed. As she walked she said, "Take it easy Carroll. Just relax. No reason to get excited. Just calm down and everything will be all right." An understanding older lady came close and said, "My, what a beautiful baby. Did you say her name is Carroll?" The mother said, "No ma'am, her name is Sarah. I'm Carroll."

In II Corinthians 13:5 Paul said, "Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you - unless indeed you fail the test?" Self examination and is a good thing. Time in the word of God, prayer, and personal application of the things we learn is very good. We often need to remind ourselves of what the Father in heaven teaches in His word. As the Psalmist said, "Thy word I have treasured in my heart, That I may not sin against Thee" (Psalm 119:11). By learning about Christ and His message we give ourselves a chance to change and to make improvements in our life. Someone said, "Each person has the chance to improve himself, but some just don't believe in taking chances."

Begin by coming to Christ and letting Him be your example and guide. Jesus offers His invitation, saying, "Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28). People seldom improve when they have no model but themselves.

Christ offers a life from which all of us can learn. We make a mistake when we appoint ourselves the ultimate guide. The same is true of using the practice of the world at large as a guide.

Let us be ready to personally take the message to heart. Let us be good soil (Luke 8:5-15). Everything depends on what we are planting! When filled with envy, hatred, doubt, anger, gossip, etc.... we need to consider the source. The apostle Paul asked a very pointed question when he said, "you, therefore, who teach another, do you not teach yourself?" (Romans 2:21). Well, like the woman with the stroller, sometimes we need to give ourselves a good sermon.

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