We live in a world where ambition is praised - where a strong work ethic
is rare and prized. Examples abound of men and women who started with nothing and worked their way to fame and prosperity.
In the natural, physical world we live in, this is good. The Word encourages us to not
be slack, to work as unto the Lord, and to be wise concerning the seasons. We are held accountable for our time
and actions.
There is a place, however, where our good efforts and hard work, our planning and organizing,
will not get the needed results. There are certain outcomes which only come about by God, Himself - where we simply
open the door for Him and then step back and watch in awe.
John the Baptist understood this truth. He worked diligently at preparing the way for Jesus;
he taught and baptized many. But the time came when John stepped back, acknowledging the uniqueness and supremacy of
Jesus.
In John 3:26, John's disciples came to him, concerned that "everyone is going over there
[to Jesus] instead of coming here to us." John, by the wisdom and understanding of the Spirit, replied, "God
in heaven appoints each person's work. You yourselves know how plainly I told you that I am not the Messiah. I
am here to prepare the way for Him - that is all. The Bride will go where the Bridegroom is. A Bridegroom's friend
rejoices with Him. I am the Bridegroom's friend, and I am filled with joy at His success.
"He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less."
There is really a phenomenal principle in this scripture. It not only applied to John the
Baptist, but to each one of us.
On this journey with Christ, He gives us tasks to do. Whether they are general commandments
found in the Bible, deep internal urgings, or prophetic words spoken personally, God has labor for us to do. God loves our service unto Him. But we need to keep our service in proper perspective.
No amount of work, knowledge, emotion, or argument will birth someone into the Kingdom of
God. There is a point where our work can actually hinder God and birth only "human life", not the "new life from heaven."
If we only touch people's emotions with our words or songs, if we merely convince them of truth
with our knowledge or wisdom, if we try to heal them with our perseverance and determination, we fail to give them what
they are truly longing for - Christ, Himself.
Yes, we are called to serve and love others. But it is only the Spirit of God giving a
Spirit-revelation of Jesus and God the Father that will bring true life, healing, and wholeness.
As the Body, we must see the importance of leading others to Jesus and then stepping
back and letting Him become greater as we become less. Our job is no different than John the Baptist's was - "I
am here to prepare the way for Him - that is all." (John 3:28b)
Too many times we get so caught up in the work, so caught up in the excitement, so caught up
in ourselves, that we fail to do the most important part of our work - get out of the way. It is not about us, as much
as He adores us and chooses to partner with us in His plans.
Jesus is the way. Jesus is the truth. Jesus is the life.
And the only way to truly know Jesus is by the Spirit.
Amy
