John the Baptist had it all. He had popularity and fame. He had power and authority. His ministry was growing by leaps and bounds. He had a following that was willing to do whatever he asked, to go wherever he went, to follow the commandments that he gave.
It would have been so easy for John to become egotistical, to think that he was the end-all be-all. It would have been only natural for John's popularity and influence to go to his head. And yet John made another choice. John knew that the story didn't stop with him, and so he chose to point the way toward Jesus. John refused the attention and praise that was sent his way, and redirected it toward the one that was coming after him. John pointed the way toward Jesus.
John's desire was that those who followed him would not just notice all that he did, but that he did it in the name of God, that he did what he did because of the Messiah who was coming after him. John was a witness, who by his testimony pointed people beyond himself and helped them to see the light that was coming, the light that was Christ.
As Christians, we are to point the way toward Christ. Our thoughts and our actions, the choices we make, are to reflect what we believe. We develop and share the gifts that God gave us, as John did, not for our own glory, but that glory might be given to God.
In 1 Thessalonians, Paul gives us some examples of how to point the way toward God for others to see. Pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances, do not quench the Spirit or despise the words of the prophets. Test everything, hold fast to what is good. Do it all for God's glory.
When you do these things, you will look good, no doubt. You might even gain popularity and have influence, as John did. But remember, the story doesn't stop with us. It's not about us-it's about God. God is the reason that we do these things. And when we do these things and we point the way beyond ourselves, beyond our good deeds, our wise choices and our kind words, God will be glorified. That's what this life is all about.
Today in worship, the youngest members of our church will offer their gifts to God and to us. They will share their talents, their enthusiasm and their faith. They are giving this gift to share the story of Christ's birth. They are giving this gift to point beyond themselves toward God for all to see. May our eyes, ears, hearts and minds be open to see and hear and feel the wonder of this holy time, the time that prepares us to meet the one for whom John was pointing the way.
Peace,
Rev. Cynthia Bacon
Minister
You may email at:
cbacon@heritagemadison.org
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This page was last updated on December 19, 2002.