May 4

John 3:22-4:3

Are you content with where God has you? Are you confident in his love and secure in his calling even when things do not go your way? It is fascinating to think about the beginning of Jesus’ ministry. He was unknown, while his relative John was the well-known, famous preacher. Yet as Jesus began teaching and performing miracles, he began to get more attention, while John the Baptist’s spotlight began to dim. John's disciples pointed this out to him, but he quickly responded that "a person can receive only what is given them from heaven." He recognizes the infinite superiority of Jesus over himself and is excited by the crowds leaving him to follow Jesus. He recognizes that God’s mission is centered around Jesus, and he is simply responsible to play his part. He had been faithful when the attention of Israel was on him, and he would continue to be faithful when the crowds had left. He knew God had given him a role to glorify God, and he would remain tethered to this even when it ultimately led to his imprisonment and death.

This same mentality of wanting God to get the attention, glory, and fame should be ours. A life well lived is one where we seek to honor God and remain faithful to his calling over us, regardless of how this is perceived by the world or others. May our lives constantly communicate that “He must become greater; I must become less.”

Father God, help me to remain faithful to glorifying you. May I draw attention to you. Amen. 

How can you live in a way that puts more attention on God than yourself?