22 After this, Jesus and his disciples went out into the Judean countryside, where he spent some time with them, and baptized. 23 Now John also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because there was plenty of water, and people were constantly coming to be baptized. 24 (This was before John was put in prison.) 25 An argument developed between some of John's disciples and a certain Jew over the matter of ceremonial washing. 26 They came to John and said to him, "Rabbi, that man who was with you on the other side of the Jordan--the one you testified about--well, he is baptizing, and everyone is going to him."
For some wild reason I think my toes are getting ready to be stomped on today – go figure! Have you ever longingly looked at someone else’s spiritual gifts and their ability to accomplish great things for the kingdom of God seemingly so effortlessly to you, the onlooker? You come away feeling, as my Momma used to say, like “a near do well”! I recently have had this exact experience! Watching wide eyed (and I might add with great appreciation) a delicious “loaves and fishes” meal served to accommodate more than anticipated sans one drop of sweat or furrowed brow! It was like a conductor smoothly orchestrating his symphony – pulled off as smooth as crème brulee! From one that has a difficult time even boiling water you certainly can imagine my awe! Then there were those who welcomed many into their home showing forth warm hospitality – opening their arms as wide their doors to embrace and encourage the weary. Giving flesh and bones to Paul’s words in Romans 12:
Practice hospitality. Romans 12:13 (NIV)
I have to admit, I felt a bit of jealousy – not that they practiced their gifts so superbly but that I am so want of them! What wonderful ways to show forth God’s love to others! I can’t help but believe that same feeling of jealousy was somewhat occurring with John the Baptist’s disciples in our verses for today. People were turning to Jesus to be baptized in lieu of John and from verse 26 it sounds as if John’s disciples were perhaps a bit jealous as well. Interestingly, as disciples of Christ, our goal is to point those in our spheres to Him is it not? To flesh out His life for others to see and be blessed by- wooing, by His love, those who perhaps do not know Him as their Savior and encouraging and strengthening those that do.
Our gifts are given to us as simply the means we are to use to achieve this goal. Besides that, we are not responsible for the results; we are responsible to be faithful with the gifts God has bestowed. God may use others to minister to thousands and use us to minister to but a few – it is our faithfulness that matters in His eyes.
“Nobody made a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could do only a little.” Edmund Burke
I am reminded of Paul’s words in Philippians regarding the importance of Christ being preached even regardless of the motive behind the preaching of the Truth – the message being the same it was the motive that differed:
15 It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. 16 The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17 The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. 18 But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Phil 1:15-18 (NIV)
Paul rejoiced over the fact that Christ was preached. Indeed, when the church in Corinth began disputing over following Paul or Apollos – both servants of Jesus – his response gives us the proper attitude we are to seek:
3 You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere men? 4 For when one says, "I follow Paul," and another, "I follow Apollos," are you not mere men? 5 What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe--as the Lord has assigned to each his task. 6 I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. 7 So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. 8 The man who plants and the man who waters have one purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor. 9 For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, God's building. 1 Cor 3:3-9 (NIV)
“Provided that God be glorified, we must not care by whom.” Francis de Sales
"In Christ's Kingdom, no work is ever accomplished alone. TOGETHER, is how we fulfill our Lord's mandate and exemplify His message." Olivia Xavier
"Remember that when you leave this earth, you can take with you nothing that you have received -- only what you have given: a full heart enriched by honest service, love, sacrifice and courage." St. Francis of Assisi