All Nathan wanted in life was to see God. “I’ve been a good Christian for many years now,” Nathan thought to himself. “I tithe regularly. I am a deacon and a well-respected member of the church. I volunteer when I can. I help teach Sabbath school. I do mission work – I’ve been to South America and Africa to help out the poor. I keep my body pure. I am kind to strangers and loving to family and friends. I preach the Gospel to those arounnd me when I get the chance. Yet, I still can’t seem to see God in my life!? What am I missing?”
Nathan spent much time in prayer and searching the Scriptures for guidance. Nathan kept reviewing and soul-searching for months upon months. Nathan knew that he has done much good in the name of the Lord, but something was blocking his view of God. As Nathan reviewed his accomplishments one day for the umpteenth time, Nathan realized that his thoughts of self were crowding God out.
Ashamed, Nathan fell on his knees and cried out to the Lord for forgiveness. “Oh God, I kept talking about all the good things I have done, but it really isn’t about me! Forgive me, but I can’t see you because I’m in the way!”
Nathan then started to give up thoughts of self, but rather focus on how much his life became better he accepted Jesus into his life and how God was able to use him as an instrument to do many good things to glorify Him. Day by day, as Nathan prayed and studied the Bible, he became less self-centered bit by bit, until one day he saw Jesus smiling before him.
If we truly wish to live a Christ-centered life, we would do well to remember the examples of John the Baptist and Paul the Apostle, who both focused attention away from themselves to Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. “He must increase, but I must decrease.”
David Quach
