How do I operate like that?
I am believing God for a breakthrough in our youth ministry. I feel like we are nearing the edge of something big. It is a great feeling! But I want more. Last Wednesday night our youth worship service was filled with Godward energy and rejoicing. I think even a bit of passion. It was so cool! But while that felt good it only left me hungering for more in the guts of my spirit. It has left me wrestling with John 3:30 and 31. Here is my paraphrase:
He must increase (the imperative of God’s nature and glory-ever increasing), but I must decrease. He operates on a heavenly scale. If you are so attached to earthly things you will operate on an earthly scale because that is how your earthly attachment limits your abilities and capacity to do. He is God that does. What God speaks into creation is ever greater than. Remember when He does; He operates and creates on a supernatural scale that redefines better than.
Two things from this passage have just jumped upright in my spirit.
1. John the Baptist was a priest in the order His father. At the center of his existence was total service to God. Yet he found that in this role he “must” decrease. This is contrary to what most of us want in the flesh. God is a God of increase because it is His nature. I think we pursue increase in flesh because it is our fallen nature revealing that we are created to exist in the image/ likeness of our maker. At the same time it also reveals our stubbornness and yes even our wickedness. The imperative of my nature when I am truly in a relationship and whole hearted obedience to Christ must be an all consuming selflessness. I have a ways to go but I must go there.
2. God what does my life look like minus earthly attachments that are not pleasing to you? How do I get there in a way that satisfies You? I want to operate on a scale that is all yours and none of mine. I want my identity to be totally defined in You.
I am crucified with Christ, therefore I no longer live. The life that I now live in the flesh we live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
Galatians 2:20

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