PRAYER: Lord, lead me to find joy and abundant living through giving my life completely to You.
DAY 17 - READ JOHN 3:22-30
John the Baptist was a great man. In fact, Jesus stated in Matthew 11:11, “Truly I tell you, among those born of women no one greater than John the Baptist has appeared.” That’s an amazing statement! John was the last of the prophets. When people heard him preach, they trembled. He attracted disciples, crowds, and the attention of the people. He even attracted the attention of kings and queens. But when Jesus came, John never forgot his place. Despite being goaded by his disciples to be jealous of the early success of Jesus’ ministry, John remained steadfast in his sense of place within God’s plan. He rejoiced in the following that Jesus attracted. He even encouraged his disciples to join with Jesus. John 3:22-30 is John’s explanation of his role to his disciples. “Now my joy is complete. He (Jesus) must increase, and I must decrease.” Have you discovered this truth yet? Most of us think that joy increases as we increase—as our wealth, our prestige, our influence, our ease, or our power increase. But in fact, just the opposite is true. Lasting joy is not found at the top of the corporate mountain, at the pinnacle of social status, or in a life of ease. Joy is not a reward of accomplishment. True joy is found where John the Baptist found it—in following God’s call in his life.
Are you desiring to find true joy? Jesus must increase in significance and Lordship of our lives while we—our plans and ambitions—must decrease.
ACTION ITEM
Make a list of the things that really bring joy to your life. You will find that the things that bring joy are not things at all, but rather gifts given by God to you like salvation, family, health, a sunrise, or a friend. Perhaps the way to discover more joy is to allow Christ to increase in your life.