The greatest hindrances to a life yielded to the will and ways of God are pride and envy. When we are gripped with pride, or plagued with envy, our eyes are not on the Lord, but on ourselves.
Humble Before God
It is easy to fall into prideful envy. Why is this? Because usually we have a very difficult time losing the spotlight or having someone else get the glory. Think about it…
Someone else gets picked for the team, gets the promotion you wanted, or displays more talent than you. Perhaps they get the girl or the guy you always had an eye for. Maybe someone else gets the big break, or has the same idea that you have, but goes farther with it and becomes more successful than you. Or maybe, someone else gets the dream salary, car, clothes, or house.
Usually these scenarios are the birthing ground for pride and envy. The problem with these emotions is that they make us think we should be the focus, the center of attention. But for the person growing in Christ’s prevailing life, Christ must be central.
God calls us to a different posture. He calls us to employ humility and contentment rather than pride and envy. No one displayed this posture better than John the Baptist in relationship to Christ.
He said of Christ and his role before him, “He must increase, but I must decrease.” (John 3:30, KJV) John knew that for Christ to be powerfully displayed in a life, a person must be submissive and humble. We cannot expect God to be active and central in our lives if we are more concerned with ourselves and our wants than what God gives and wills for our lives.
John the Baptist accepted that his ministry would decrease as Christ’s increased in influence. It is the same with us. If we want God to be more in control of our lives we must accept what he has for us, where he has placed us, and what he has called us to do.
Think about it…You can only have according to God’s provision, purposes, and perimeters. In other words, God has a plan.
Maybe you have not been content with the circumstances of your life. Sometimes that is a good thing. Sometimes it is an indication that you need to strive for better, push for more. But sometimes it is important to accept the life God has given you and allow God to work through those circumstances.
Sometimes I get frustrated with my life. I dream of having better circumstances with less stress and with more rewards for myself. I imagine having a bigger career opportunity, more money, or for there to be more spotlight on me.
When I get like this, I find my fellowship with God strained. My focus is on what I want, rather than on God. But there is a sweet release, an entrance into peace, when I assume a different posture.
When I say to God, “O’Lord, may my wants and desires decrease as I invite you and your will to increase in my life.” When I say that I am deciding to be thankful for the circumstances I am in and my opportunity to allow God to use me in those circumstances. I am decreasing as I invite him to be central in all things and as I accept his specific plan for me.
Today, I challenge you to follow this principle of humility and contentment as you invite God and his will to influence you in ever greater ways.
Question: What helps you remember that Christ must increase as you decrease? You can leave a comment by clicking here.
A great word, one that I definitely needed today. There are days when I really struggle with where I’m at in my profession. Going into a classroom not being sure of what you will encounter is not easy. The attitude I have going in has a huge influence on how the day goes. Praying and spending time with Him before really helps me in keeping a right perspective, and positive point of view.
Thanks for sharing that.
Thank You!