March 18, 2011

• Step Out of the Way

  A museum guide's job is to lead people to the paintings, answer their questions, and step out of the way. 

  I read a story about a young guide who initially succeeded in his job.  He walked the clients to the artwork, identified the artists, and stepped out of view.  When they were ready, he would lead them to the next masterpiece and again identify the artist and step out of view.  He took great pride in his work.

  Over time, he took too much pride.  He began to forget his role.  He started thinking that the people had come to see him.  Rather than step away from the work of art, he lingered near it.  As they oohed and aahed, he felt his chest lifting.  He even responded with an occasional, "thank you," taking credit for work he didn't do.  Little by little he inched closer to the painting until he blocked the entire piece.  People could see him but not the art.  The very work he was sent to reveal he began to conceal.

  "So the one who plants is not important, and the one who waters is not important.  Only God, who makes things grow is important." 1 Corinthians 3:7

  "He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less." John 3:30

  It's not about us.  It's about Him.  We've got to remember to step out of the way. 

  

  • 7:48 am
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