““Rabbi, He who was with you beyond the Jordan, to whom you have testified—behold, He is baptizing and all the people are coming to Him.” John replied, “A person can receive not even one thing unless it has been given to him from heaven. You yourselves are my witnesses that I said, ‘I am not the Christ,’ but, ‘I have been sent ahead of Him.’ He who has the bride is the groom; but the friend of the groom, who stands and listens to him, rejoices greatly because of the groom’s voice. So this joy of mine has been made full. He must increase, but I must decrease.” John 3:26-30
Why do we always seem to be filled with pride and a desire for more? I struggle with both of these aspects in my soul as well as vainglory. I fight against them as if an incoming tide. Many times I’ve pushed myself to show humility on the outside, while my mind is screaming pridefully in my head.
Praying on this as the sun sits just below the horizon this morning, God shares with me His thoughts. As I look at that slightly brightened sky, hiding the sun’s brilliance just below God points to the lesson board.
Our bodies and minds always want more because our souls know there is greater brilliance just over the horizon in eternity. We seek a better job, more money, bigger home or more visible position on earth because within our soul, there is such a yearning for what we know is just over the horizon.
“Eye has not seen, nor ear heard,
Nor have entered into the heart of man
The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9
God hasn’t shown us what is ahead in Heaven. He has given us hints in the Bible and glimpses in our world. But, nothing we see shows us the truth of Heaven. We can sing “I can only imagine” and gaze at the horizon wondering what it will be like when the Son has fully risen in our life to brighten our soul with His full presence.
Like the coming sunrise, we only get a glimpse and anticipation of the coming day.
“A person can receive not even one thing unless it has been given to him from heaven.”
So, our minds and bodies are in incomplete connection with our souls. Our soul yearns for what he knows is coming when the sun full rises into day and the warmth of God’s love and presence is our true light and only desire. Until then, we can only imagine in this world what it will be like.
So, work against the earthly desires of the mind and body to always want more. Live in the humility and with holy anticipation of the Risen Son, Jesus. Someday we will have it all and so much more in Heaven. While still here on earth, look to the horizon with humility and peace.