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“For he will be great in the sight of the Lord; and he will drink no wine or liquor, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit while yet in his mother’s womb. 16-And he will turn many of the sons of Israel back to the Lord their God. It is he who will go as a forerunner before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, TO TURN THE HEARTS OF THE FATHERS BACK TO THE CHILDREN, and the disobedient to the attitude of the righteous, so as to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” (Luke 1:15-17, NASB)
Some would say John the Baptist had a lot of weight on his shoulders, he being the forerunner for Christ. John the Baptist came preparing the way for Jesus Christ, “…preaching a baptism of life-change leading to forgiveness of sins” (Luke 3, MSG). Some may even say, because of his office given by God, John the Baptist had reason to become prideful, arrogant, and get the BIG head. On the contrary, scripture does not make any note of John seeing the task given to him as burdensome nor did he allow his position to give room to boasting.
In fact, John the Baptist showed humility when asked if he was the Messiah “John answered, saying to all, “I indeed baptize you with water; but One mightier than I is coming, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to loose. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire…” (Luke 3:16, NKJV). When the disciples made a big deal about the people not coming to John the Baptist, but going to Jesus to be baptized, in meekness John replied, “He must increase, but I must decrease….” (John 3:30, NKJV)
Maybe God has placed you in a position that, according to the world’s standard, you should boast, you should toot your own horn, or you should sing your own praises. Maybe your role demands high esteem, honor, and accolades from the people. Maybe your skills, talents, achievements, educational background has allowed you to become conceited, arrogant, and your head has become swollen with pride. Maybe, just maybe, you have the “I did” mentality (…I did this, I did that, and look what I did….). If we’re in that place, let’s be careful!
“First pride, then the crash — the bigger the ego, the harder the fall.” (Proverbs 16:18, MSG)
Sisters, let’s be careful not to allow the position we are in to produce seeds of vanity and haughtiness, but let’s remain humble following the examples of John the Baptist by keeping the mind of Christ. Christ, the King, came to serve and to give His life (Matt. 20:28). And so must we.
“Don’t love the world’s ways. Don’t love the world’s goods. Love of the world squeezes out love for the Father. Practically everything that goes on in the world—wanting your own way, wanting everything for yourself, wanting to appear important—has nothing to do with the Father. It just isolates you from him. The world and all its wanting, wanting, wanting is on the way out—but whoever does what God wants is set for eternity.” (1 John 2:15-17, MSG)
Pray this prayer with me: Father, forgive me for being so arrogant with the abilities You have blessed me with. Burn away and remove everything that is not like You. In humility, I empty myself to you. Lord, I ask that You increase in my life, as I decrease. I love You. Thank You for Your mercy and Your forgives. In Jesus’ name, amen.
During your Quiet Time, MEDITATE on God’s Word and keep walking in freedom!
LET’S WALK IN FREEDOM TOGETHER & IMPACT THE WORLD!
Rhovonda L. Brown is speaker and author of two bestsellers, Walking in Freedom!: A Thirty-Day Devotional Journey for Women and At Least Say, “Thank You!”: An 8-Day Devotional Plan for a Grateful Heart.
Copyright ©2010-2016. Rhovonda L. Brown. All Rights Reserved.
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