LEARNING DAILY

John 3:30, “He must increase, but I must decrease."

Philippians 4:11, Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.

Happy Fourth of July – Independence Day!

I wonder how many people are on a quest to not only be successful but are trying to be important to those around. Perhaps important is not the right word for people driven to find meaning to their life by acquiring more, being in a leadership position in various clubs and organizations and being powerful. Yet, in our day, this successful generation has seen greater divorce, suicide, addiction, and loneliness. The idea that if we just work harder, sell more, own more, have better this or that, achieve more success, read books that teach how to become the best, then we will be happy and significant (I think that is the word I’m looking for).

Is that the way to fill the emptiness within our heart? Is that the way to build self-confidence that the world bombards us with each day? John the Baptist prepared people for the coming of Jesus. Jesus, over time, became well-known and more people began to follow Him than John; even John’s disciples left him to follow Jesus. People today would not handle this very well because of the voices telling us to never be satisfied with what you have or where you are. To those voices the words of John shout, “He must increase, but I must decrease." Paul’s writing to the Philippians tells them and us to be content in every situation. 1 Peter 5:6 tells us to humble ourselves before God.

Most of us are hard-headed and have to learn things the hard way. I will tell you those times I thought I was most successful, when I was looking at the achievements, when I thought things were going really well, God showed me He was in control – not me. There were times I started patting myself on the back when I should have been praising God and serving Him. Oh, it may have looked good to others, but I was taking credit! Then the humbling came! Before you feel sorry for me, those times drew me closer to the Father. I want to make it known that then is when the emptiness I was looking to fill was filled.

As individuals and as a nation, we have forgotten that God is in control. As a nation our leaders think they are in control and running our affairs. Yet, all the time God gives warnings for individuals and this nation to change our ways and look to Him – to repent. This attitude is known as pride. “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18). When it is least expected judgment falls!

Yes, we will celebrate this Independence Day! Will we remember with the celebration the Founding Father’s belief in God and their dependence on Him. Will we remember a people coming to this land, not in search of gold and riches, but to be able to serve God, to worship Him without restrictions? In the family gatherings and in the fireworks may we take time to worship, praise, and thank God for all He has done. May we recognize that He is the One who gives our life meaning and significance!