One of our children will get the opportunity to use their gifting this week, and even their heart’s concern is they may be a distraction, that eyes may see them instead of Jesus. Their desire is people won’t miss the experience of meeting with their heavenly Father. So we chatted about this topic….

Our conversation reminded me of John who was sent only as a messenger. Even John knew, “He (Jesus) must increase, but I (John) must decrease”….

It is such a fine line between self-promotion vs God-promotion. It is important to seek, pray and ask for even the deep desire to see Him lifted high, to see Him greater, to see His name in flashing lights. I am encouraged to ask God for the desires of my heart, and if the desires of my heart are “out of whack,” or “self-focused” I can even approach Him and ask for Him to change those desires.

If we are given the opportunity to have flashing lights with our name, or have an opportunity to speak, sing, dance or anything that gives us a public forum…. If our name is highlighted, we must take the opportunity to highlight His great name much more.

When John said I must decrease, he didn’t say both he and Jesus must decrease. It is important we remember how to increase our Heavenly Father when He gives us the forum to do so. John was well known, and in some cities more well known than Jesus. But he knew his purpose was to exalt Jesus far above himself. In those cities where John’s name was more known, he had greater work to do in lifting up the name of Jesus far above the name of John.

Oh Jesus, please continue to place in me the desires that fall in line with your heart.