February 4: Insight Post by Rusty Coram
Wednesday Insight Post
by Rusty Coram
One simple statement sums up John’s life and serves as an inspiration for all who follow Jesus: “He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less.” John 3:30 (NLT) I love the New American Standard’s translation, “He must increase, but I must decrease.” In a world of celebrities and influencers, this sounds pretty unattractive. Self-promotion is so common that reading John’s motto seems extremely out of place, but those who truly know God’s love through Jesus see things very differently. This shows up perfectly in our prayer life.
When I pray, who is the primary focus? Am I bringing God a list of items I want Him to do for me? Do I see my role in prayer as informing God regarding things He should be paying attention to, as if my lobbying will tip the scales in a certain direction? Or is prayer something I do to better align my will to His and recalibrate my attention toward fulfilling His will and work? Sure, we are invited to bring our requests to God, knowing that as our loving Heavenly Father, but our mindset needs to be centered on God, His interests, and His purposes.
Jesus gave us a model for prayer, and the beginning reminds us that we are not the star:
“9 Our Father in heaven,
may your name be kept holy.
10 May your Kingdom come soon.
May your will be done on earth,
as it is in heaven.” Matthew 6:9–10 (NLT)
The sign of effective prayer is a growing realization that “He must increase and I must decrease.”
Amen.
Rusty Coram
Senior Pastor
New Hope Church
Lorton, Virginia
www.newhope.org