Becoming Less

• Since the beginning of John, I've been impressed with how much he lowers himself and gives all glory to Jesus. Starting in the first chapter in verse 15, John stated, "He who comes after me has surpassed me because He was before me." In our second day of reading, priests and Levites asked him, "Who are you? Are you Elijah? Are a you a prophet?" He (v. 19) "confessed freely, 'I am not the Christ.'" John only replied in verse 23, "I am the voice of one calling in the desert, 'Make straight the way for the Lord.'" John was the one born first, yet he always made Jesus first--no questions, no complaints.

• Everyone knows I always picture myself as a princess, and though we all are princes and princesses, sometimes I forget that I'm only royalty because Jesus is King. I've noticed, particularly this week, that I had been acting selfishly. I've realized that I'm not as selfless as I thought I was. Trying to live as if I can do everything and figure out everything by myself, I've almost forgotten to rely on God. In fact, I'm so much into myself that it's starting to get sickening, not just to myself, but moreso to the people around me. I know I might be called a hypocrite for writing this blog. To this day, I'm still trying to let go of myself. It's not easy.

• I think most of us here have spent a great deal of time in front of people. I know Grace and I are fond of performing on stage, and Justin and I both play in church band. Though it's your job to entertain people in a stage play, it's different when you're leading worship. I've got to admit I struggle with pride while playing. At first, I try to focus my heart and mind on worshiping God. Then, I get concerned whether or not I'm playing the right chords. Eventually, someone new or someone good-looking walks in, and I am so concerned with impressing them. Finally, I'm completely sidetracked and, afterward, begging God for forgiveness before taking the Lord's Supper. I hate things to be that way. I don't want to be fighting myself during worship time, then asking for forgiveness afterward, every Sunday. This is why I totally agree with my favorite Bible character, Paul: "I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do (Romans 7:15)."

• I wish I could be like John: "He must become greater; I must become less (John 3:30)," or maybe I should quit wishing and start doing. Yeah, that's a better idea.

"Cool" Jesus

I was at Mardel the other day, and I've never felt so in awe at a store before. Looking around, I was amazed at all the "Christian" things we have: Christian books, Christian t-shirts, Christian music of every genre, Christian movies, even Christian Guitar Hero. We've got it all. We've taken what the world has and made the "Christian version" of everything. What more do they want? Our stuff is just as cool as theirs.

And yet, Jesus is still not "cool" enough for the world.

Don't get the wrong idea. There's nothing wrong with expressing yourself and wearing your faith on a t-shirt. There's nothing wrong with writing a song or a book about God. However, it seems like we've created so many things that have caused us to lose touch of who Jesus really is--a loving, gracious, merciful Savior.

I remember seeing a Christian music video online. While Christians raved about the song, one person commented, "I hate it when Christians are trying to be cool." We always try to sugar-coat Jesus, giving Him an electric guitar, making Him wear blue jeans, and dressing Him up to look pleasing to the crowd.

I don't think the world wants a "cool" Jesus. The world right now is hurting, dying, and desperately crying out for Him without even knowing it. They don't need any shirt, rock song, book, or movie. They need His love, His grace, His hope. Jesus Himself said in Matthew 5:16, "Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." He didn't say, "Wear a t-shirt with My name on it so everyone will see it and think I'm cool and praise your Father in heaven." He said, "Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds." But, unfortunately, American Christians aren't exactly like that, are we?

Our life should be more Christian than our t-shirt, book, whatever. I think the world would better respect a Jesus that loves and cares for them than a Jesus that wears blue jeans and aviator sunglasses.

So, as we read John, let's pay attention to who Jesus really is and vow to show it to the world.