Mark 1:4-8
John appeared, baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And all the country of Judea and all Jerusalem were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. Now John was clothed with camel’s hair and wore a leather belt around his waist and ate locusts and wild honey. And he preached, saying, “After me comes he who is mightier than I, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. I have baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

When your birth was foretold by angels, your first encounter with Jesus came while you were still in your mama’s womb, and your dad’s mouth was locked for many months so that he could not speak until you were born, that can call for some real arrogance and self importance if you let it het to your head.

Today many fall prey to the spirit of pride because they allow something to get to their head. Maybe it was one miracle that God used them to perform, an opportunity to give the keynote message at a stellar event, or a promotion to a high-ranking administrative office.

But not John kept his ego in check – if he ever had one. Watch the language in these few verses:
1. He is mightier
2. He is worthier
3. He is the baptizer

A primary qualification for serving God well and triumphantly and with any amount of success is an attitude of humility – a sense our own weakness and limitations. When we match forth into any battle or endeavor felling secure and strong in our own might, we dishonor God and return defeated. But when we display an attitude of humility, recognizing our own weaknesses and limitations we not only bring honor to Him, we return with great success.

Never forget that all your smarts, good looks, gifts and talents did not start with you, they were graciously given to you by our generous heavenly father. Never forget that each of us has a flawed, frail and fragile ego that is easily seduced into narcissism. Therefore we should learn to keep that ego in check by the power of God’s Spirit. So don’t let your blessings get to your head – humble yourself because it is truly a position of power. Greatness is never accomplished by people who are seeking personal glory.