John: Bridegroom's Friend

It is one thing to contend for the truth; it is quite another to engage in ungodly rivalry. People and churches who treat each other as rivals should learn a lesson from John the Baptist and the Apostle Paul. John's followers wanted him to guard his position when they saw Jesus attracting more people than John did. His answer to them tells us what our motivation in Christian service should be. We are not independent, but receive our life and gifting from heaven; we are accountable to heaven for how we use it. No one has any right to the devotion of Christian people - only our Lord Jesus himself. The reason lies in the relationship between Christ and his church - it is compared to a marriage. Human history tells of third parties coming between God and his people, and reconciliation being made by Christ's cross and gospel. Personal ambition in a church context would run counter to God's reconciling purpose, and come between him and his people once gain. Christian service is bringing people to Christ. If we have the right spirit we will rejoice when we see evidence of Christ calling people to himself. Then we will stand back as their relationship develops - 'He must increase but I must decrease'. How blessed is the man or woman who can say, 'This my joy is fulfilled'.