Saturday, July 8 

PLAYING SECOND FIDDLE -- John 3:25-30 

    An argument developed between some of John's disciples and a certain Jew over the matter of ceremonial washing.  They came to John and said to him, "Rabbi, that man who was with you on the other side of the Jordan - the one you testified about - well, he is baptizing, and everyone is going to him."

    To this John replied, "A man can receive only what is given him from heaven.  You yourselves can testify that I said, 'I am not the Christ but am sent ahead of him.'  The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom's voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete.  He must become greater; I must become less.  

John’s followers were very upset when they saw people leaving their group and following Jesus.  And if John had been like most men, he would have been even more upset �?and jealous �?than his followers were.  Instead, John the Baptist was so tuned in to the Lord that he had no problem accepting his position in Christ.  "He must increase, but I must decrease," he said.  He knew that he was only there to prepare the way for Jesus.  Now it was time for him to step back and let Jesus come forth in all His majesty.  And John didn't allow his ego to get in the way. 

How many times are we guilty of allowing our egos to rule in our daily lives - and in our church lives?  Let’s say you have been a leader in your Sunday School, someone respected and revered for your leadership abilities and the things you have accomplished. Then, all at once, things begin to fall apart on you.  Attendance drops off.  Participation by those who do show up is half-hearted.  What was once your thriving ministry has become a small group of unenthusiastic people who spend an inordinate amount of time complaining.  Then a new person comes into the group, reorganizes everything and obtains an instant, enthusiastic following.  What's your reaction? 

No matter what the reasons for this type of situation, the most difficult thing that we as individuals face is shoving our egos out of the way so that the Lord’s work can be done the way that HE wants it to be done, with or without our participation.  Think about your efforts in ministry both inside and outside your church.  Are they focused on you, or are they focused on Jesus?  Are you happy to play second fiddle to another person when needed?  And more importantly, are you happy to play second fiddle to Jesus? 

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast.  Ephesians 2:8-9 NIV 

From Bonnie Ricks, Dogwood Ministries