Human Life Versus Spiritual Life

Humans can reproduce only human life,
but the Holy Spirit gives new life from heaven.

John 3:6

We live in a world where ambition is praised; where a strong work ethic is rare and prized. Examples abound of men and women who started with nothing and worked their way to prosperity. In the natural, physical sense, this is good. The Word encourages us to not be slack, to work as unto the Lord, and to be wise concerning the seasons. We are held accountable for our time and our actions.

This is a place, however, where our good efforts, hard word, planning, and organizing will not get the needed results. There are certain outcomes that can only come about by God, himself. We must simply open the door for him and then step back and watch in awe.

John the Baptist understood this truth. He worked diligently at preparing the way for Jesus; he taught and baptized many. But the time came when John stepped back, acknowledging the uniqueness and supremacy of Jesus. In John 3:26, John’s disciples came to him, concerned that “everyone is going there (to Jesus) instead of coming here to us.” John, by the wisdom and understanding of the Spirit, replied:

God in heaven appoints each person’s work.
You yourselves know how plainly I told you that
I am not the Messiah. I am here to prepare
the way for him–that is all.
The bride will go where the bridegroom is.
A bridegroom’s friend rejoices with him.
I am the bridegroom’s friend, and I am filled with joy at his success.
He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less.

John 3:27-31

This essay is republished with permission from This Beloved Road by Amy Layne Litzelman

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