More of Jesus and Less of Me

“He must increase, but I must decrease.” John 3:30

SEEMS LIKE A LOT of people call themselves by titles and have a ministry these days. Many of them jockey against one another, emulating, violating the very and utter humility Jesus demonstrated and taught His twelve (Matthew 20:20-28; 23:8-12). Some desire to be the star of the show, the man or even the women of the hour, instead of rendering true repentance, dying to self, and letting Jesus reign.

Am I Seeking My Own Glory?

Am I missing something here? Have you observed some of this? Perhaps my statement is a bit too broad. Certainly there are humble servant who seek only the glory of God Himself. Let’s explore and learn of Him…

Why O why so many in our midst who insist upon calling themselves “reverend,” “apostle,” “prophet,”  or even “pastor”? Jesus gave these gifts TO MEN – so they could serve men and not themselves (Ephesians 4:11-13).

First off, anyone can start a “ministry.” But what does that mean? For many it simply means that they are setting up an entity to make people think they are doing God’s will. It helps them draw attention to themselves I might add.

So many who have been put in the limelight by men seem to be show boating. In other words, their “ministry” is all about them and their riches and clothes and mansions. These are the very wolves the LORD often reminded us of (Philippians 3:18-21; 2 Peter 2:1-3, etc.).

Think about the so-called music today that we call “Christian.” It’s nearly ALL man or self-centered. Compare it to the substance of the songs of old. No comparison. The worship of Jesus Christ as the “mighty God” has been replaced by a self-serving, feel-good message. Jesus has been ousted! Ichabod! Remember that “antichrist” means “instead of” or “in place of.” The LORD Jesus has been replaced with self worship or the worship of mere sinful man. This is soul-damning idolatry (Revelation 21:8).

“He that speaketh of himself (instead of Christ) seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him.” John 7:18

Isn’t it amazing how little we talk about JESUS in our conversations (at times)? When the subject of God is discussed, JESUS should be the central Theme in that we cannot approach the Father without Him. He is the very LOGOS (Word) of God. He is the central Theme of all of Scripture. We will NEVER grow out of the need for JESUS – never. In fact, the more we grow, the more dependent upon Him we become. God’s Word instructs us to “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly (abundantly).” (Col. 3:16)

“For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake.” 2 Corinthians 4:5

Am I seeking my own glory – through spiritual avenues? Do I use my place in God’s kingdom, among God’s people, to promote myself, or the Savior? Do I truly exalt the Lamb of God who was slain before the foundation of the world for my depravity? Where is my authentic worship (worth-ship) of His holy name?

Does “the mind of Christ” truly possess my being? Did He come to give or take? Lust gets, love gives. If I truly have the mind of the One I claim to serve, it is obvious in that my life is set forth to love the LORD will all that is within me and to serve His precious saints. The true disciple should at once understand that elevating Him and elevating His saints to Him is where all the law and prophets hang (Matt. 22:37-39).

“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 2:3-5 

We are instructed to cease esteeming mere men above that which is written of him.

“Cease ye from man, whose breath is in his nostrils: for wherein is he to be accounted of ?” Isaiah 2:22

God is going to bring all men low, especially those who have lifted themselves up or allowed themselves to receive undue honor via wearing unwarranted titles and using other means to be lifted up. They are glory robbing from Christ who alone deserves all glory and honor.

“The LORD of hosts hath purposed it, to stain the pride of all glory, and to bring into contempt all the honourable of the earth.” Isaiah 23:9

The Bible tells us that those mere men who are self-elevated among deceived men is a short-lived:

“Man being in honour abideth not: he is like the beasts that perish.” Psalms 49:12

What did God say man is, even in his “best state”?

“Behold, thou hast made my days as an handbreadth; and mine age is as nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity. Selah.” Psalms 39:5

What did the apostle Paul determine to do?

“For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.” 1 Corinthians 2:2

The apostle Paul purposely refrained from speaking eloquently. He refused to dazzle his audience with oration finesse. WHY?

“That no flesh should glory in his presence. 30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: 31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. 1 And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. 2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. 3 And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. 4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: 5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.” 1 Corinthians 2:1-5

The LORD doesn’t want us, mere messengers, branding ourselves or our delivery or personalities, or making an industry out of our ministering His Word. In order that Christ alone was elevated and all heart affection was placed on Christ, Paul made a determination to know nothing among the people except “Jesus Christ, and him crucified.”

God certainly has called out some men to serve HIM. And that’s it – they are called out by Him to serve Him and not themselves using His holy name. To do so is the use His holy name in vain or for one’s own self-serving purpose and to be guilty of attempting to rob Him of the glory due His name alone (Exodus 20:7).

In whom did Paul glory?

“But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.” Galatians 6:14

Remember, “He that speaketh of himself (rather than the Lord) seeketh his own glory…”

Let’s lift up JESUS, not ourselves. There is soooooo much to say about Him Who is the Infinite Author and Sustainer of ALL life, why not get started talking…

PRAYER: O Father, in Jesus’ holy name, I beg You to deliver my heart from the evil vanity of all sinful and self-serving motives! Quicken my heart today in Thy holy fear and to love You as I choose to exalt Jesus Christ alone in thought, word, and deed, and to spread Your love to all under my influence! Amen Jesus!

Now, go read Matthew 20:20-28; 23:8-12, and 21:44 and pray.

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