ON INCREASING OR DECREASINGDate: 20-02-2010
Speaker: Sis. Stella Dhinakaran Gist: Let us fear the Lord and lead a humble and holy life so that His name is honoured, exalted and glorified.
An officer who worked in a company was very meticulous in his work. He was always neat in his habits. Everyday, he carried himself well by wearing clean and proper clothes and looking his best. He was perfect in his work and no one could find any mistake in all that he did. His words reflected the wisdom and knowledge of God in him. His stature was such that even his superiors respected him and honoured him. He lived a righteous life. Do you know what he did everyday?
He would get up early in the morning and after examining his life for a little while offered prayers saying, “Dear Lord! Without You I am nothing. I have plenty of shortcomings in my life. As mentioned in the Bible, transform me and make me just like You. Help me to go from glory to glory so that I can lead a transformed life. As mentioned in the Bible, transform me and make me just like You.” (2 Corinthians 3:18). He would wait till he was sure that the Lord had heard his prayers and then resume his work. As far as possible he was at peace with all, working with sincerity and loyalty. And, the Lord blessed him abundantly and honoured him greatly.
John the Baptist was the chosen servant of God. And he says that he must decrease and Jesus must increase (John 3:30). Jesus is sent from above. He is the Son of God. He is the greatest! John the Baptist is just the forerunner. That is why he must decrease and Jesus must increase. Let us also have the same mind and say to Him, “Dear Lord! Let Your name be praised. Let Your name be exalted. I am just Your slave! Through me, may Your name be honoured and glorified. And, this is the greatest blessing. I can ever receive in my life.” So, let us fear the Lord and lead a humble and holy life so that His name is honoured, exalted and glorified. This is the great example set before us by John the Baptist for us to follow in our lives. Let us also humble ourselves and honour God in everything (James 4:10).
Dear Friend! Like the great servants of God, let us also evaluate our life in His presence. And, then confess all our sins and shortcomings before Him. Like the godly person in the above incident, let us also pray to God, “Transform me into Your image. You must increase and let me decrease.” And, He will surely bless us.
Prayer:
Loving Lord Jesus!
Now I know how divine is the experience that enables us to walk with You, talk with You and to abide in You. From today onwards, help me also to live like this. Give me Your grace and lead me in Your path.
In Your precious name I pray.
Amen. |