I Want to be a Pointer
Okay. I’ll admit it. Some days I struggle with humility. I get so fixated on who commented or liked or loved my blog, that I fail to remember it is HE Who deserves all the honor and praise. Less of me, more of Him. That I might decrease and He increase.
We’ve been talking about John the Baptist a lot lately and, WOW, did he ever exude humility! Those two boys – Jesus and John – were cousins with intimately close mamas – so intimate that when Mary showed up at Elizabeth’s home, Elizabeth’s baby boy, John, leapt in her womb. They were quite a foursome. I suspect those boys had many play-times together. They were more than cousins – they were “soul and spirit” brothers.
Just think how John could have been jealous of Jesus, but He continued to say things like: “He must increase, but I must decrease.” (John 3:30) And, I agree with John. I want that, too! I really do desire that when others see me, they see Jesus. I want any attention I get to deflect off me and land right to He Who is worthy of all praise. He must increase, but I must decrease.
I suppose this is a common struggle in the world we’re living in today. In this “survival of the fittest” to gain the most followers or take the best “touched-up” selfie, or profile our amazing “bestie” friends, it is easy to allow the self-praise desires to cloud the path to Christ. This is why I know I am inspired by the humility of St John the Baptist. When given the opportunity to claim personal fame, he deflects the attention to Christ.
I wonder how much of what we do proclaims to the world, “more of you, God”! In the midst of racking up those likes and loves, are our efforts leading others to Christ, or are they fattening up the number of followers in the popularity score we’re keeping for ourselves? Lord, please help us show You off and be a pointer to You as an example of true humility. And when the world seeks to capture our attention with promises of glory or fame or accolades of any kind, may we point to the One who deserves all our praise. Less of me, more of You, God!