What do you say about yourself?

John 1:21-22 They asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” And he said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” And he answered, “No.” Then they said to him, “Who are you, so that we may give an answer to those who sent us? What do you say about yourself?” How would you explain your life and your life message? That was the question asked of John the Baptist. Obviously, he was outstanding. His message and lifestyle were not normal. He was bold and spoke with authority, unlike the Pharisees and religious leaders. The following verses contain John’s answer, and we’ll consider it then. The encouragement I take from this verse is that if I live to love with Jesus, I hope and pray that my life and my life message of living to love with Jesus will give me opportunities to give Him glory. Such a life and message aren’t normal. I’ve met people whose lives carry the fruit of the Spirit, and I’m drawn to them. I want to find out how they think, what they read, and who has had an impact on their lives. I want to find out about them so that I may glorify God like they do. I hope someday that I will be asked, “What do you say about yourself?” I want the only explanation to be the presence of the life of Jesus Christ. I know I won’t be perfect, but that’s the point. Jesus came and gave Himself for imperfect people. He came to love them and love through them. How about you? What do you say about yourself? As we read in the next few days, John’s understanding of himself, you’ll notice he doesn’t talk much about himself. He puts the spotlight on God’s purpose for his life. May this verse encourage us today to live in such a way that the only explanation is that we are God’s channels of grace and love. I invite you to become a partner in our ministry. Would you pray about becoming a regular supporter of Elijah Ministries and the Live to Love with Jesus ministry? I hope you will receive the joy and benefit of “giving it forward,” so others may receive encouragement to turn their hearts to God and to live to love with Jesus. You may give online or send a check to the address listed at www.spiritofelijah.com/donate.