Being remembered

Over the years that I've been at CCS, I have been involved in drama, music, art, salt, NHS, student council, and many more groups and organizations. I have been friends with about 40 or more students at CCS, at least those who are still there. I've gotten involved in the grades below me, and over the years, have gotten to know many middle school and elementary school students.

I don't want to be forgotten.

Yes, I know that in five to 10 years, most students at school will be new or won't remember me. But I have a strong desire within me to influence others. I like it when people look up to me, view me as a role model, but sometimes can make me want to be an idol. I want to be a hero, the best, the most excellent, number one.

But, I know I shouldn't. I know it's pride, envy, greed, and my power-hungry flesh working within me. I want to influence people and lead people, but I have to do it for the right reason, and in the right direction. If I simply influence people to like me or lead them to hail me as a hero, no good has been done. That's what I see John the Baptist as a great role model.

He came into Israel like a firebrand, angering spiritual and political leaders, spurring on change, making people think, hurting feelings, but pouring out truth. He was harsh, but he knew what he had to do. "Prepare the way for the Lord". What did that mean? Possibly to remind people, or open their minds, or start the repentance process. Whatever it entailed, John obeyed. People came to him, seeing him as a rebel, a leader, a crazy maniac who actually had an idea of how to live. He gained disciples, and grew in popularity. But his time was short.

"I baptize with water, but among you stands one you do not know. He is the one who comes after me, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie."

We don't know if John really knew Jesus before the encounter at the river. Yes, they were cousins, but we don't know when was the last time they saw each other. He could've been months, it could have been decades, or somewhere in between. Well, John was baptizing at Bethany, and he saw Jesus. And he said "This is the one I meant when I said, 'A man who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.' I myself did not know him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was that he might be revealed to Israel."

Jon had to act in faith. God called him to a life of service, but he had no idea when this "person" was coming, what they would look like, what would happen, and what would happen to him, but he trusted in God, and waited on God, and God showed up.

So, in the time that God has given me, I must be all that I can be. Powerful in speech and steadfast for the truth. Devoted to God and his Word. What does that look like? I'm not sure. For John, it meant walking around in the desert eating locusts, dressed in the latest camel skin fashion. For me, all I can do is bear in mind who I am and trust that God will show up.

John called himself a voice, a witness, the friend, one from earth. The voice, not the message. A witness, not the truth. The friend, not the bridegroom. The one from earth, not the one from heaven. He was clear on how he was and who he was compared to Jesus.

I must do that too.

"He must become greater, I must become less"

Lord, I don't want to be forgotten, but I pray that if people remember me, they will remember you as a core of my being. Help me show you in all that I am.