It's Not About Me

This is a fake vanity photo...

He must increase, but I must decrease. He who comes from above is above all; he who is of the earth is earthly and speaks of the earth. He who comes from heaven is above all. John 3:30-31 (NKJV)

Not to be the rain that falls on your parade, but along the journey to grasp the meaning of life you will probably discover that, "It's not about You!" I hope that this news does not come as a shock and furthermore; I hope that you figured it out a long time ago. You are but one of about 7 billion humans that live on a tiny planet in a deserted corner of the universe. When it is all said and done our life will have almost no effect whatsoever on the cosmos. We are born--we live--we pass away--and we are soon forgotten. It was this understanding that made Solomon write such uplifting sentiments such as: "I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and indeed, all is vanity and grasping for the wind." Eccl 1:14 (NKJV)

John the Baptist was the most famous prophet of Israel when Jesus started His own public ministry. Before long, many of the people that followed John the Baptist were flocking to the new teacher called Jesus. John the Baptist, knowing that Jesus would eclipse the significance of his ministry, said, "He must increase, but I must decrease." John knew that his life found a place of deep meaning by being "God's tool" in preparing the way for Jesus. He refuted Solomon's idea that life was without meaning, while affirming the idea that life's greatest significance is found in our service to God.

What is the meaning of life? Is it to gain wealth that we can't take with us when we are dead? Is it to gain popularity that fades over time into obscurity? It is to be the envy of all our friends because of our great accomplishments, personal influence and amazing charm? Wow...maybe it is all vanity! There is an exception--an important exception. It is the understanding that John the Baptist expressed: Life becomes very meaningful when our lives fuse with the eternal purposes of God. Serving God--building His Kingdom--loving His people--declaring His truths--shining His light--being His ambassadors...this is where we find meaning. "Yes," He must increase and we must decrease!

Prayer: "Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."