POINT THEM TO JESUS
Carey Madding
Today's Scripture: “But when they believed Philip as he preached good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.” Acts 8:12, ESV
Theme: When we focus on sharing the Good News of the Gospel, not building our own image, people respond by following not us but Jesus.
TEMPTED TO WORSHIP
Being married to a preacher is a strange calling. Before Mike retired, our grandchildren thought he was “famous” everywhere. I mean, he was on TV, right? People would recognize him (or more precisely, his voice) and come over to greet him at a store or restaurant. There have been a few times where someone who came to know Jesus, accepting Him as Lord, developed a bit of hero worship for Mike, since he was the person through whom this great gift of God had come to them. It’s easy to understand, since we all have the temptation to worship the created, not the Creator. Even when one's focus is on sharing the Gospel, you can see it would be easy to get caught up in all the attention.
FIGHT THE TEMPTATION
Each of us can be used powerfully by God. But the Lord has said that He resists the proud. So, the more willing you are to be a vessel of God, the humbler you must be. Exaltation by man will result in humiliation by God. Self-confidence arises from the ego. God-confidence arises from the power of the Spirit. I love that Paul tells Timothy, God has not given us a spirit of fear “but of power and love and self-control" or a “sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7b, ESV/NKJV). There is power in the Good News, but only if we have the self-discipline to crucify ourselves and our proud natures daily, get out of the way, and let Jesus shine.
Make It Personal: In what areas of your life could you feel justifiable pride? What abilities or accomplishments give you pleasure? Take time to thank God for the abilities He has given to you. Rededicate them to His glory. Intentionally point others to the Creator, not the humble creation, and give public thanks to Him for whatever you accomplish. Spend yourself in sharing the Good News of Jesus and how He has made all the difference in your life, whether in your struggles or your successes.
Pray: Lord Jesus, You have conquered sin and death. You are seated on high in glory and majesty. May every thing I do bring glory to Your Name. Let the words of my mouth, the meditations of my heart, and all my actions point others to You. Spirit, help me take up my cross daily and lay down ego and pride. Help me point others to Jesus. In His Name I pray, amen.
Read: James 4:5-6, 10; Luke 9:23; Galatians 2:20; Psalm 19:14
Weekly Memory Verse: “Both riches and honor come from you, and you rule over all. In your hand are power and might, and in your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all.” 1 Chronicles 29:12, ESV