Year of the Bible: Part Nine of TwelveSample

Don't Think Too Highly of Yourself

John opened his gospel with one of the most beautiful passages in all of the Bible. He spoke of Jesus as the Word, who was in the beginning with God and is God Himself. Jesus created everything; He is life and the light that is more powerful than any darkness. He came to dwell among us, full of glory, grace, and truth.

Injected into this chapter are some curious words about John the Baptist, who came to prepare people for the Messiah: "He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light."

What does this have to do with you? John the Baptist played an extraordinary role in the divine purposes of God, but he was not the light—scripture emphasizes this. Like John, you have a unique role in God's divine plan and are beautifully and wonderfully made, as the Psalmist wrote. You are gifted, anointed, the righteousness of God in Christ, and more than a conqueror, to name a few Biblical descriptions of you. But, importantly, you are not the light.

Many Christians have been tricked by the pride of life to think more highly of themselves than they ought. Many eloquent preachers have fallen into that trap as well. But like John, all believers are called to stay humble and "bear witness of that Light."

Question: From what mindset do you relate yourself to Jesus? John the Baptist expressed that he was not worthy to untie Jesus' sandals. How does your mindset compare?

Prayer: Lord, I don't ever want to think more lowly of myself than I ought, but I certainly do not want to think more highly of myself than I ought. Help me understand the grandeur of who You are foremost in my thoughts—You are highly exalted and to be praised forever!