Weekly Devotional - Steve Grigg
John 3:27-30,
John (The Baptist) replied, “No one can receive anything unless God gives it from heaven. You yourselves know how plainly I told you, ‘I am not the Messiah. I am only here to prepare the way for him.’ It is the bridegroom who marries the bride, and the bridegroom’s friend is simply glad to stand with him and hear his vows. Therefore, I am filled with joy at his success. He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less.
This verse came to me as I pondered the four main points that struck me from Pastor Aaron’s message. 1) Our life is on display before God and others. Be intentional with it. 2) Weak faith may be the stronger response. AKA Be secure in the life God has called you to. 3) At what cost did you make your point. 4) Ask what is best for the other person.
Point 1: “My life is on display… Be intentional with it.” In the verses above John the Baptist recognizes and declares Jesus is the Messiah, and that he, John, is not. John’s life is on display for all to see. He lives a life that intentionally points to Jesus, and then he steps aside, rejoicing in Christ’s arrival
Point 2: “Weak faith may be the stronger response. Be secure in the life God has called you to.” Although I would not say John was weak in faith, he did recognize that there is a time to be bold and up front about presenting Christ. He also recognized that the time had arrived for him to step back and let Christ step into the forefront. John was secure in his life’s calling from God.
Point 3: “At what cost did you make your point?” What is the old saying? “Cut off your nose to spite your face?” My meaning is that we may try to clarify a biblical verse to a brother or sister to such a degree that they are turned away from a teachable moment. We explain in such detail (in our mind) that we fail to realize that the Holy Spirit is trying to tell us, “I got it from here”.
Point 4: “Ask what is best for the other person.” Proverbs 18:13 states that “To answer before listening, that is folly and shame.” Take time to listen and “hear” what the other person is saying, and asking. When you answer, are we speaking for our benefit or the brother/sister’s? A baby step forward on their behalf is better than a giant step backwards.
Remember that John the Baptizer never pointed to himself. It was always about Jesus. He recognized the importance of his calling, yet was in tune with God enough to step aside at the right time, rejoicing in Christ’s presence. Like John, we are to point to Christ at all times.
Ask yourself these four questions in all of your relationships.
Am I intentional in my walk?
Am I secure enough in my faith, to help others grow in small steps?
Am I about to make my point in such a way that others might get discouraged in their journey with Jesus?
Am I looking for what is best for the other person or just proving my level of knowledge?
May each of us pray this week for answers to these questions so that we receive clarity and growth. May this then bring growth for others in our lives.
May God lead and Bless you!
Steve Grigg
John (The Baptist) replied, “No one can receive anything unless God gives it from heaven. You yourselves know how plainly I told you, ‘I am not the Messiah. I am only here to prepare the way for him.’ It is the bridegroom who marries the bride, and the bridegroom’s friend is simply glad to stand with him and hear his vows. Therefore, I am filled with joy at his success. He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less.
This verse came to me as I pondered the four main points that struck me from Pastor Aaron’s message. 1) Our life is on display before God and others. Be intentional with it. 2) Weak faith may be the stronger response. AKA Be secure in the life God has called you to. 3) At what cost did you make your point. 4) Ask what is best for the other person.
Point 1: “My life is on display… Be intentional with it.” In the verses above John the Baptist recognizes and declares Jesus is the Messiah, and that he, John, is not. John’s life is on display for all to see. He lives a life that intentionally points to Jesus, and then he steps aside, rejoicing in Christ’s arrival
Point 2: “Weak faith may be the stronger response. Be secure in the life God has called you to.” Although I would not say John was weak in faith, he did recognize that there is a time to be bold and up front about presenting Christ. He also recognized that the time had arrived for him to step back and let Christ step into the forefront. John was secure in his life’s calling from God.
Point 3: “At what cost did you make your point?” What is the old saying? “Cut off your nose to spite your face?” My meaning is that we may try to clarify a biblical verse to a brother or sister to such a degree that they are turned away from a teachable moment. We explain in such detail (in our mind) that we fail to realize that the Holy Spirit is trying to tell us, “I got it from here”.
Point 4: “Ask what is best for the other person.” Proverbs 18:13 states that “To answer before listening, that is folly and shame.” Take time to listen and “hear” what the other person is saying, and asking. When you answer, are we speaking for our benefit or the brother/sister’s? A baby step forward on their behalf is better than a giant step backwards.
Remember that John the Baptizer never pointed to himself. It was always about Jesus. He recognized the importance of his calling, yet was in tune with God enough to step aside at the right time, rejoicing in Christ’s presence. Like John, we are to point to Christ at all times.
Ask yourself these four questions in all of your relationships.
Am I intentional in my walk?
Am I secure enough in my faith, to help others grow in small steps?
Am I about to make my point in such a way that others might get discouraged in their journey with Jesus?
Am I looking for what is best for the other person or just proving my level of knowledge?
May each of us pray this week for answers to these questions so that we receive clarity and growth. May this then bring growth for others in our lives.
May God lead and Bless you!
Steve Grigg
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