When the Holy Spirit truly moves, God is the one praised.  Jesus is the one lifted up.  When the Spirit moved at Pentecost, people knew there was a power present that came from God.  That’s why they didn’t leave saying, ‘John is amazing! He learned a new language in a matter of seconds!” They knew it had to be God.  Let’s pray that God would empower us so radically that we would get no glory.  That people would see our works and glorify God.

- Francis Chan

I recently went on a mission trip with my church.  And, by and large, it was an incredible experience.  However, after reading this section from Forgotten God today on the airplane, I had a serious reality check.  Let me explain…

On this mission trip, a thoughtful girl created a system of “encouragement cards.”  And, throughout the trip, I received a few of these cards saying things like, “John I love your spirit,” or “You are very wise.”  You get the point.  So while I read these on the trip, I felt pretty good.  However, now, I feel quite the opposite.  I feel rather discouraged because people were mostly complimenting on my external behaviors, rather than being able to witness a Holy God moving through me. 

Let me give you another perspective… 

While I was on this trip, I was blessed with the opportunity of getting to know a Chinese graduate student from U of M.  We’ll just call him Sam for now.

Now Sam, being a very observant and outgoing man, had a lot to say about the people in our group.  So one night Sam started talking to me about a certain girl in our group and he tells me, “You can feel God emanating from that tiny girl.”  Note: Sam is not a Christian, and he is still learning English.  Nevertheless, this is how he chooses to describe his interaction with a girl on our trip.

I want that.

Although I really enjoy when people compliment me, I would much rather have people experience an almighty God through me. 

I can’t fill people with awe, joy, hope, freedom, and power.  Only God can.

“He must become greater, I must become less.”