Deutero Q

Tucked away in the glorious first chapter of John's gospel are these words about John the Baptist: "He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light" (John 1:8).

The four words "only as a witness" leapt off the page at me lately. How much there is to learn from John's Christ-centered life!

I am reminded of the builders of the tower of Babel, who wanted to "make a name" for themselves (Genesis 11:4). What was true of the ancients is also true of us--it can be so tempting to want to make a name for ourselves. In fact, if we were honest, most of us would have to admit that much of our time and energy is spent bearing witness to ourselves. We want others to notice us.

Living our lives "only as a witness" to Christ seems too radical and too spiritual; that kind of difficult lifestyle is better left to the John the Baptists of this world, thank you!

And yet John's words surely have much to teach us in our narcissistic culture. Are those of us, who bear the name "Christian," not called to die to our selfish selves and live to Christ?

As we move into 2006, may we ponder deeply what it means to live "only as a witness" to Christ. Likewise, may these words of John the Baptist also become a reality for the people of God: "He [Christ] must become greater; I must become less" (John 3:30).