. . . the friend of the bridegroom . . . —John 3:29
Goodness and purity should never be traits that draw attention to themselves, but should simply be magnets that draw people to Jesus Christ. If my holiness is not drawing others to Him, it is not the right kind of holiness; it is only an influence which awakens undue emotions and evil desires in people and diverts them from heading in the right direction. A person who is a beautiful saint can be a hindrance in leading people to the Lord by presenting only what Christ has done for him, instead of presenting Jesus Christ Himself. Others will be left with this thought— “What a fine person that man is!” That is not being a true “friend of the bridegroom”— I am increasing all the time; He is not.
To maintain this friendship and faithfulness to the Bridegroom, we have to be more careful to have the moral and vital relationship to Him above everything else, including obedience. Sometimes there is nothing to obey and our only task is to maintain a vital connection with Jesus Christ, seeing that nothing interferes with it. Only occasionally is it a matter of obedience. At those times when a crisis arises, we have to find out what God’s will is. Yet most of our life is not spent in trying to be consciously obedient, but in maintaining this relationship— being the “friend of the bridegroom.” Christian work can actually be a means of diverting a person’s focus away from Jesus Christ. Instead of being friends “of the bridegroom,” we may become amateur providences of God to someone else, working against Him while we use His weapons.
(When searching for today’s music, I found the lyrics in the Lecrae’s “Boasting” compelling and in line with today’s message. See if you agree) … Dave
Journal DJR
Good morning, Lord
Today my brother and I see that we can do many things well. Too many things to get done well in the 24 hours each day that we are allotted. So getting excited about a lot of things and starting too many projects can lead to burnout and mediocrity. I need your help in focusing my energy and passion. The metaphor that helps me explain this to myself is the rifle shot vs the shotgun blast. This problem would be solved if I were hearing your voice and seeing the way you did and expressed in John 5:19 Here is The Message version…
19-20 So Jesus explained himself at length. “I’m telling you this straight. The Son can’t independently do a thing, only what he sees the Father doing. What the Father does, the Son does. The Father loves the Son and includes him in everything he is doing.
It seems pretty clear that if I just focus on getting to know you better and learning to see and hear what you are doing … that I will do well and not stress out. But I find it so easy to get distracted … mainly by too many “good ideas and good things” Robbing banks and shooting heroin is not my temptation.
You are right. I am the answer. Look to me and we will look together to what Father is doing. It is exciting when you know that you have chosen the better choice. I was like you when I walked the earth. There were many good things that I could have done. But I continually chose the only the best. And many seemingly good things went undone. I told Martha that Mary had chosen the better and most essential part. I have the best course in mind for you. It doesn’t mean its the best for everyone else. The best course is customized for each individual. But I am the source for everyone. So keep coming to me and we’ll keep getting you better and better at seeing what Father and I are doing and you will waste less and less time chasing second and third priority visions. Go for number one. It’s the best way to live. And you find it as we walk together.
Click Image for John White's Original Vision For CO2's
