July 23 ~ John 4:1-3
Jesus realized that the Pharisees were keeping count of the baptisms that he and John performed (although his disciples, not Jesus, did the actual baptizing). They had posted the score that Jesus was ahead, turning him and John into rivals in the eyes of the people. So Jesus left the Judean countryside and went back to Galilee.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
When David Letterman opens his segment, “Stupid Pet Tricks,” he says, “Remember… this is not a competition – it is an exhibition. Please… no wagering.” We would do well to remember this in our Christian living. The life of a Christian is not a competition… we are not in a race to see who can witness to the most people or serve more in need. God is not counting how many people we mention in prayer each day… and He is certainly not comparing our life to that of the next guy!
Our Christian life is not an exhibition in the context of serving God “for show.” But our Christian life is an exhibition in the sense that we are to exhibit the characteristics that please God… love and service to others, worship and celebration of Him, grace and forgiveness, and an effort to grow in knowledge and wisdom.
We must begin to realize that God is more concerned with quality than quantity. In other words, instead of trying to mention three dozen names on a prayer list in your morning visit with God, earnestly pray over a dozen… then bring another dozen before Him later in the day. Instead of trying to add more names to your church’s membership roster… consider choosing a handful of people in your present congregation to nurture and encourage.
I’m not saying witnessing and bringing in new members isn’t important. What I am saying is that living for Jesus is not a “numbers game.” And for heaven’s sake, quit comparing your life to someone else’s. Just because Joe seems to be on every committee and visiting needy families three times a week while holding down two jobs doesn’t mean that God is calling you to do this!
Notice in this scripture passage that Jesus was so irritated by the competition factor and the troubles it created that he physically removed Himself. If this doesn’t send a signal to us that Jesus is displeased by this type of behavior, nothing will.
Ask God to show you how He wants you to serve… and where. Ask Him to give you wisdom with regard to your daily living. Seek Him earnestly as you pray – and pray with conviction… not the methodical actions of a robot. Consciously examine every action of your day and see where you are genuinely operating out of a love for Christ and a faith in Him… and where you are playing the “numbers game.” Make a concerted effort to remember… your life in Christ is not a competition… it is an exhibition of your love and gratitude for what He has done in your life. With Jesus, everybody is a winner… and that is a wager we can afford to make!
©2011 Debbie Robus
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