stay out of trouble

Most days, I feel fairly confident
that I know who I am.

But then when I make the mistake
to use my peripheral vision
and start comparing myself,
measuring by the yardstick of
other people's accomplishments,
my insides get all twisted about
and I end up knotted and tanged
in self-doubt and discouragement.

And then whatever task
I was working on,
or whatever goal was in front of me
get's totally lost in the mess
of distraction and frustration inside.
It's like I can no longer focus
because all I can think
is that it won't be good enough,
because I'm not...
all that other person is.

But can you imagine...
what if the yardstick
standing nearby wasn't just
some plain ol' Jane.

What if instead, it was Jesus!
And...
Then there arose a dispute...
John 3:25 NKJV

Because that's a scenario
which actually happened.
It was a long time ago, mind you.

But there were some people
who knew John the Baptist
and they just did their thing,
of stirring up some trouble.

They were seemingly
traveling back and forth,
or at least listening to the talk
that was coming from where Jesus
was baptizing people in one river
and comparing it to the numbers of people
that John was baptizing in another.

As if Jesus was the newest
preacher in town trying to steal
the converts from John.

And if John hadn't known
who he was, and what his message
and purpose was with regard to Jesus,
then he could have really gotten mixed up.
He could have really struggled
with doubt and insignificance.

Because what if he let
those people divide his loyalty
from Jesus, rather than stir up
his support for Jesus?

What if John the Baptist
felt that Jesus didn't value him,
did't appreciate all that he had done
before Jesus came on the scene?

Let's sneak up on them and
see how he handled it.
John answered and said,
“A man can receive nothing unless
it has been given to him from heaven.

You yourselves bear me witness,
that I said, ‘I am not the Christ,’
but, ‘I have been sent before Him.’
John 3:27-28

Wow.
Sounds to me, like John
was pretty clear from the start,
before Jesus even showed up,
that he had told them he was NOT
they one they were waiting for.
But that he was only sent to prepare
them for the ONE.

He who has the bride
is the bridegroom;
but the friend of the bridegroom,
who stands and hears Him,
rejoices greatly
because of the bridegroom’s voice.
Therefore this joy of mine is fulfilled.
He must increase,
but I must decrease.
John 2:29-30

Even more impressive.
John the Baptist gives them
such a great example of Jesus
as the groom, but lets them know
that even as the friend of the groom,
he has a place, he is significant,
and he can be joyful about
who he is as the friend of the groom.

Even in his statement about
Jesus increasing
and John decreasing,
I sense humility
but not self-doubt or insignificance.

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.
He who believes in the Son
has everlasting life;
and he who does not believe the Son
shall not see life, but
the wrath of God abides on him.”
John 3:31, 36

John the Baptist clearly
knew his purpose.
He was to go before Jesus.

Not to be pridefully competing
for the glory or the numbers,
but to point the way to the One
who had the power and authority.

And John didn't let
shallow people who like
to stir things up and cause trouble
distract him from that purpose.

Not in his actions,
not in his head.

He was focused,
directed,
purposed and
planned.

But through it all
he remained humble,
knowing that...
A man can receive nothing unless
it has been given to him from heaven.
and
He who comes from above is above all;
he who is of the earth is earthly.

Word of God
​train me today...
To give thanks to You first, knowing that
all blessings from above are for Your glory.

To not be distracted by comparison to others,
but rather to stay focused and purposed
on the paths You direct in my life.