February 15

Self-Renunciation

John replied, “Whoever has two tunics should share with him who has none, and whoever has food should do the same.” — Luke 3:11 BSB

There is something very admirable in John’s behavior on this occasion. The people were expecting the Messiah, and when John appeared in such brilliance, they were ready to accept him as the Christ. The excitement was intense, and the enthusiasm wild, as nearly the entire nation flocked to the Jordan to see and hear John. One word from him claiming to be the Messiah would have sparked a movement to crown him as king. Yet, in this moment of great potential for self-exaltation, we see John pushing away the honors that could have been his, saying, “No, these are not mine to wear. Place them instead on the One who is coming after me.”

Many of us are quick to accept praise for ourselves when we are doing Christ’s work. We enjoy when people commend us and speak well of our efforts. Sometimes, we are even in danger of seeking honor for ourselves rather than directing it to Christ. How much more beautiful was John’s example of self-denial! It’s gratifying when people come to us with expressions of gratitude and show love for the help we’ve given them. But we must be careful not to take the praise that belongs to Christ, or let people see only us without recognizing Him. We must step aside so that they may behold Him.

We should always remember that there is One coming after us, even standing unseen beside us as we do our work, who is far mightier than we are. Our goal should be to point all honor to Him, utterly forgetting ourselves. If we seek His honor and never our own, He will take care of us and honor us in due time. But if we steal the praise that belongs to Christ, seeking to crown ourselves with glory, we will find ourselves stripped of that honor when Christ’s glory is fully revealed.