The Bible School teacher had just finished telling her class of third-graders the story of the Good Samaritan when she asked, “Now what have we learned from this story?”  One of the students, a rather outspoken lad, blurted out, “I have learned that when I get into trouble my neighbor ought to help me!”

Here was a boy who heard the story but completely missed the point.  Failing to realize his responsibility in helping others, he could see nothing beyond their obligation to help him.  Like too many of us, he preferred applying the Bible’s lesson to someone – anyone – else.

This brings to mind the tale of the polished, perfumed older lady, who, while shaking hands with the preacher following his sermon, commented, “What a wonderful lesson that was!  Everything you said today applied to somebody I know.”

How many times have you read the Bible, or heard a sermon or Bible Class lesson from the Scriptures, and thought to yourself, “I know someone who could really use this”?  The “someone” in question may well need it.  But what about you?

The Bible is as clear as it is succinct:  “Examine yourselves . . . prove your own selves.”  (2 Corinthians 13:5.)  With respect to the much-needed application of biblical truth, it has always been best to start with self.