From my reading in John 3:19-36 in the One Year New Testament.

It’s not about you. This is the famous first line from the Purpose Driven Life. The faster we come to the realization that life is about Jesus and not us, the faster we will know our purpose.

John the Baptist’s disciples were concerned that everyone was going to Jesus in stead of them now! John responded in an amazing, loving way.

It’s From God and It’s About God

“No one can receive anything unless God gives it from heaven.” John 3:27

If you are a spiritual leader the influence you have has been given to you by God. Everything we have is a gift from God, and we should realize that since we didn’t create the world then it’s not about us! The purpose of the influence that God gives us is for him.

The Best Man

“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 best man is simply glad to stand with him and hear his vows. Therefore, I am filled with joy at his success” John 3:28–29

John clearly told them that he was not the Messiah. He gave an illustration that he was not the groom; he was simply the best man!

Imagine if the best man tried to steal the show from the bride or groom. That is exactly what people do when they try and take the attention off of God and put it on themselves.

Preachers and leaders especially need to remember that true joy will only come when people are celebrating Jesus and not them! Our goal should be for people to say “what an amazing God we have,” instead of “what an amazing preacher we have!”

He Must Become Greater

“He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less.” John 3:30

Our goal should lead people to discover the greatness of who Jesus is. We should be able to fade into the background and not seek glory for ourselves.

It is totally freeing to not be trying to promote yourself. The popularity game is never over! You may get famous but you have to keep doing other things to keep that fame. It is better to just serve God, and let God be the one to lift you up if He wants to.

Some people seek fame, find it and then are destroyed by it because they have don’t have the character to not be deceived by it.

Seek to make much of Jesus and less of yourself. He is greater, so he should be treated as such!

If you like this article share it on Facebook, Twitter or subscribe by Email.