Knowing Your Place (Luke 3)

By Pastor Steve Caronna
February 17, 2010

"Now as the people were in expectation, and all reasoned in their hearts about John, whether he was the Christ or not, John answered, saying to all, “I indeed baptize you with water; but One mightier than I is coming, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to loose. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire." Luke 3:15-16

Nothing pulls us to the right or the left more than public opinion. What everyone thinks of us influences us quite a bit, and that's just human nature. Actually, most of the time, it's even good for us. But we need to know in our heart of hearts what our place is, and stick with that.

John knew he wasn't the Messiah, but everyone else didn't know that. So, whose job was it to convince who? Instead of the people convincing John that he was the Messiah, John very quickly tells them, "Nope, I am simply the voice crying out in the wilderness to make way for the REAL Messiah! The One coming after me, He's the guy your looking for!"

We live in a day where most people are convinced that in order to be REALLY successful, YOU have to be THE BOSS. Now before I make this next statement, please don't misunderstand me...I am all for business ownership, moving up the ladder, getting that promotion, or raise. I believe that God intends for all of His Children to fulfil a great calling and purpose for their lives. But let's think about this...if EVERYBODY is THE BOSS, then who is going to be the supportive team? Who is going to execute the plans of the BOSS with excellence and finesse, and enjoy it?

I love working with people who know that their life's calling is a supportive role, and love it. God has blessed me by surrounding me with those people. Yes, there are those who may one day be THE BOSS in some capacity, but most have found, and are flourishing in their place.

Don't let people flatter you right out of what you're really called to do. Many years ago, I was the associate pastor of a Church, and a large faction of leadership decided to leave and start their own Church across town. They came to me, telling me how I was a better teacher and leader than the Sr. pastor, and that if I would leave with them, they would make me the pastor of the new "church" and pay me a LARGE salary. I didn't leave, because I knew my place. Guess what? I not only kept my integrity intact, but the Church I pastor now is TWENTY TIMES larger than that "church" ever got.

What position has God called you to? I mean really...at least in this season of your life? Do your best. enjoy it. Relish it. Be faithful. Remember, what's important is God's plan for you, NOT your plan for God.