My Own Heart First

James 3:17

But the wisdom that comes from Heaven is first of all pure. It is also peace-loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and good deeds. It shows no partiality and is always sincere.

Ezekiel 2:10-11

Then He added, "Son of man, let all My words sink deep into your own heart first. Listen to them carefully for yourself.
"Then go to your people in exile and say to them, 'This is what the Sovereign Lord says.' Do this whether they listen to you or not."

O my Father, help me to let Your words sink deep into my own heart first. Open my ears and my understanding to listen to them carefully, to apply them to my own thoughts, attitudes and actions. 

Then, Father, grant me Your sweet wisdom, to share with my people by both my example and my words what You are building into my life, for my benefit and Your glory, and for their benefit also. 

Strengthen me in Your wisdom that I may be pure in all I do. Then peace-loving in my attitudes, not stirring up strife, even if they do not listen to me. 

Keep me gentle, Father, willing to yield to others when appropriate without compromise. Teach me Your mercy, without partiality and in complete sincerity in all the good deeds my hands find to do. Then all the glory will be Yours.

Even so, come, Lord Jesus!