When we meet people for the first time, we attempt to create a good impression. 

“I hope they remember me. I hope they like me.”

Our conversation is limited to what we can do and say to make a great impression upon them. Our attitude is all about self. 

John the Baptist saw his life differently. As Jesus entered his public ministry, John the Baptist was the first to proclaim his arrival: “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). John had his own ministry and was doing well. He had his disciples and was preaching repentance. However, he knew his role was to be a herald.

“I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness … there comes another,” John proclaimed (John 1:23, 27). 

When a trumpet fanfare begins, do people ask, “Who is that playing on the trumpet? Or do they ask, “What great person does the blare of the trumpet announce?” John resigned with the posture to remember Jesus and forget this herald.

Later, he proclaimed with straightforward, simple-to-understand language, “I must decrease, and he must increase” (John 3:30).

How do you want to be remembered? As the herald for someone greater or as a promoter of your own self-interest?

“Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together.” – Psalm 34:3 

Written by John Bender, chaplain for Parkway Place, a Buckner senior living community.

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