At
the time of this writing, we are just over one solid month of “stay at home” orders
due to the COVID-19 virus pandemic. Some of the obvious results coming out of
this is seeing our stores, schools, restaurants and favorite venues closed for
an indefinite period.
I
believe it is safe to say that we have had no choice but adapt to a whole new
way of life. What was once a routine or tradition is now a thing of the past
with most businesses with limited hours, churches closed, and in-class
instruction for all levels of academics moved to on-line training. We could go
on and on with how our lives have changed. Now, more than ever, we are
challenged to make the most of all the time we now have.
For
most of us, some things in life have increased such as utility bills since we
are all home more often. Some things have drastically decreased such as our
savings and checking accounts as many have lost their jobs and have had no
income for some time.
This
reminds me of a particular New Testament passage that addresses such an issue. John 3:30, “He must increase, but I must decrease.” Such an approach to life really isn’t all that
bad. In fact, I believe it is not only biblical, but a necessity.
What,
exactly, was John’s intended message in making this statement? I think we can glean
two lessons for us. Here is what I’m thinking:
*
Jesus must increase while we decrease:
This is the key lesson. When we
become a Christian everything in our lives must be arranged and placed into its
proper priority. Jesus should automatically become (and remain) #1 in our
lives.
When
we become Christians and pour out our lives for Jesus, we “decrease” by
deciding that it isn’t “all about me” anymore. My thoughts and desires are more
centered on glorifying God, following Jesus and loving others.
Now,
of course, this doesn’t mean I shirk my responsibilities and abandon my job, marriage
and family. What it means is that every aspect of my life springs forth out of
my relationship with Jesus.
*
Others must increase while we
decrease: Again, we decrease. Loving our neighbor and putting their
needs above our own. This is about discipleship and bringing up others in the
generations behind us. Just as those older than us invested in us as we were
growing up (we were their ‘younger generation’), we “return the favor” by
investing our knowledge and experience into others.
It
is much like what I was taught as a leader in the Army. Train your subordinates
in such a way that you literally work your way out of a job. We want those
coming up behind us to be successful. We equip them to find success and remain
successful.
John Wesley’s comments on
John 3:30 was “Let us know how to set, as
well as how to rise; and let it comfort our declining days to trace, in those who
are likely to succeed us in our work, the openings of yet greater usefulness.”
If
the Church is to march victorious into the years ahead, we must bring more
people to Jesus and then passionately disciple them properly. We must
raise up the future generations in such a way that they are ready to take the
mantle of leadership in the Church after our time on earth is done.
Just
as David was prepared to take over from Saul and Joshua was prepared to take
command after Moses, we too, must ensure those coming up behind us are ready to
take Charge of the Bride of Christ, the Church.
During
the pandemic, we have been given the wonderful gift of time. We now have more time to invest in our relationship with
Jesus through prayer, Scripture study, service, and worship.
Sadly,
we hear of those who claim to be “board” and end up wasting this extra time on
gaming, Netflix and other time-consuming nonsense. There is a time and place
for leisure, recreation and rest, but the out-right wasting of time is sinful
and shameful.
Remember,
it isn’t about us….it is about Jesus and others. Many souls have not made peace
with Jesus as Lord and Savior of their lives. They need to see Jesus in us and they
must experience Jesus through us.
It
is time to take inventory! Where in our lives must we “decrease” even more in
order to elevate Jesus up to His proper place? Who could I take “under my wing”
to disciple, teach and motivate to grow in their faith? Let Jesus be your “everything”
and may He resonate from every aspect of your life. Let Jesus increase!
As
the beloved hymn “More About Jesus Would I Know,” by Eliza Hewitt says, “More about Jesus would I know, more of His
grace to others show; More of His saving fullness see, more of His love who
died for me. More, more about Jesus, more, more about Jesus; More of His saving
fullness see, more of His love who died for me.”