Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) started up again for me the middle of September. It’s a 32 week international, in-depth Bible study from September until May. Classes are all around the world! (Check out the website at http://www.bsfinternational.org/.) Going from someone, in 1997, who had really never studied the Bible before, to now being someone who gets engrossed into and enjoys my lessons each week…is pretty amazing to me! It’s hard for me to believe that I’ve been involved in this program for 13 years come February! I have learned so much, have been trained in things I never thought I could ever learn, and I’ve enjoyed the benefits of studying God’s Word in every area of my life!
We are studying the book of John this year. In our lesson this week, we covered John chapter 3. Each week I try to apply just one principle or one truth to my life. There are always many I could choose from, but one always seems to stand out to me. This week it was John the Baptist’s reply to the questions he was receiving from his disciples about people stopping to follow him, and starting to follow Jesus instead. Here’s what he said:
“A man can receive only what is given him from heaven. You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Christ, but am sent ahead of him.’ The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and is now complete. He must become greater; I must become less.” John 3:27-30 NIV
Hmmm…”He must become greater; I must become less.” This hit me right between the eyes! Jesus must become greater; I must become less. This is so contrary to the way the majority of people think today. I see it all the time…and I even catch myself falling into this trap every now and then. “It’s all about me.” “I deserve it.” “I will call the shots.” “It feels good so I’m going to do it (buy it, eat it, etc.).” “I am in charge of my own destiny.” “I don’t need God.” “No one controls my schedule but me.”
I learned a long time ago that I need God. He certainly doesn’t need me. I can’t do anything without Him, and believe me, I’ve tried. John the Baptist knew that too, and he wasn’t the least bit jealous of Jesus’ ministry. He knew his place in God’s plan…to be the forerunner for Jesus, and he was content living the life that God had called him to. Am I content living the life that God has called ME to? I really had to ask myself that pointed question this week. I know God has called me to be a loving mom, wife, friend, sister, daughter, aunt, niece and cousin. I know God has called me to serve Him in my business, in my community, at Mission of Hope and at BSF. Am I content living the life He has called me to?
At one time in my life I would have said no. I wanted more…more success, more recognition, more fame, more money, more “stuff”, more responsibility, more time, more exercise, more, more, more. I just wasn’t content with ANYTHING! Until God got my attention, shook me back into reality, and really taught me what’s important and what’s not, and what’s eternal and what’s not. I think I am more content now than I ever have been in my entire life! 🙂
So I’m praying each day this week that Jesus become greater in my life, and I become less. May people see more of Him in me, than more of “me” in me.
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