Listen

This is John’s testimony when the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him, “Who are you?”

John confessed (he didn’t deny but confessed), “I’m not the Christ.”

John 1:19-20

Think

Because John the Baptist was such a powerful preacher and had a big following, people assumed that he must be the Son of God who had come into the world to save the world. John was very confident in his identity. He knew that he was not the Son of God and that he had a role to play in helping the world get ready to receive Jesus and his message.

There is a lot of pressure for us to do and be something that we aren’t. Sometimes we think we have to be smarter or thinner or wealthier in order to be happy. It’s hard to feel joyful when we’re constantly comparing ourselves to others. In reality, God wants you to be yourself and nobody else. God has created you to be uniquely you and has given you everything you need to be the best version of yourself possible. The world needs you to be you!

Cody Maynus

Question to Ponder:

What are some of your qualities or traits that help you be of service to others?

Pray

God, you have created me to be myself.

When other voices surround me, telling me I have to be somebody else in order to be happy or cool, help me to listen only to your voice of love and affirmation.

Amen.

Go

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in faith so that you overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 15:13