He must Increase, I must Decrease (John 3:30)

Thank God for making me return to SBC earlier than usual so that I would not miss today's devotion.  Oh my! The message was really speaking to me!

There are three ways in which we can know what true humility means and avoid the pitfalls of pride.

1. John knew his calling - know my calling. 

Are you a driven person or a called person?  Both demonstrate ambition.  Driven person are ambitious to obtain worldly acclaim.  Those with a call are ambitious to advance God's glory.  They live for an audience of ONE.

I was convicted for sinning when I read about this.  Recently I have completed this major project and I was complaining to 'everyone' how unfair my own boss was.  When everyone else noticed my hardwork and praised me through exchange of emails, he remained silent.  I was utterly upset then, but I no longer felt the same.  I shall work towards the mentality and attitude that "I only want God to see". 

2. John knew his worth and value.

A man can receive only what is given him from heaven (John 3:26-27)

Only when we firmly grounded in Christ's pleasure in us, not needing the strokes of the crowd, are we free to be the leader God intended.

Do I know my value and worth yet? I will only know about my value when God gave me the role (the calling) as that value would come from the Father who assigned my part.

3. John knew how to guide his heart - Ability to guide my heart in accordance to God's will. 

Humble leaders know that they are made with feet of clay and therefore must keep vigilant to watch over their inclination of their own soul. 

Boasting is the response of the pride to sucess.  "I deserve admiration because I have achieved so much."

I am guilty of this.  I shall repent.

Self-pity is the response of the pride to suffering.  "I deserve admiration because I have sacrificed so much." 

I am guilty of this as well.  Coming to serve in SBC full time was indeed considered a GREAT sacrifice, but I am blessed with other goodness that God gave me.  I should have focused on the intangible assets and blessings I received, not on the monetary rewards.

Thank you God for Your Word on reminding me that this place is only a passing phase.  My home is with you in Heaven.