More of Jesus and Less of Me

In the ancient world, the “friend of the bridegroom” had one job and that was the prepare and facilitate the wedding by guarding the bridal chamber and then they joyfully stepping aside the moment the bridegroom arrived. John the Baptist was a powerful witness for Christ because he did the same thing. He had many opportunites to proclaim and promote himself in his teaching, but chose to point people to the coming Christ. He had crowds following him wherever he went. He had people coming for great distances to hear him preach. John stayed true to his mission and message and when Jesus came, John became less so Jesus could become more. Shouldn’t we be living and asking the same question each day as John the Baptist? How can I live my life this week to witness Jesus Christ and his saving grace in our lives.

First, we must get comfortable with who we are not. We are not the Savior. We are not the source of the light, we are simply mirrors. When we come to this conclusion, we are finally free to be the joyful messengers that God has called us to be.

Secondly, we aren’t placed on this earth to point people to ourselves, but we have been called to point people to the Master. When we live lives that are focused on serving others and embrace the joy of decreasing ourselves in His service, we then became those mirrors that reflect the love of God in this dark and broken world.

Lastly, in practical terms, take this week and resist the urge to compare and compete. When someone is elevated, celebrate them. Be grateful daily in both the ups and downs. When things go well for you and others give God the credit rather than elevating yourself. In your daily thoughts and prayers declare “Jesus is Lord.” When your’re blessed say, “Praise God.” Please take the following message in your thoughts and prayers this week, “Lord Jesus, may you increase in my life today and let me decrease.”