“Don’t push your way into the place of prominence.”
Proverbs 25:6

Aspiring to leadership is commendable. Paul said, “If someone aspires to be an elder, he desires an honorable position” (1Ti 3:1 NLT). But there’s a difference between stepping forward to take on the responsibility of leadership, and stepping forward to project yourself into the limelight. Harry Truman said, “If you can’t stand the heat, stay out of the kitchen.” The question isn’t whether you enjoy being the focus of attention, but whether you can take the heat that goes along with it. For every person who acknowledges your skills and appreciates your accomplishments, there’ll be ten who make demands on your time, talent, and treasure. Consider Barnabas. When the Gospel was first preached to the Gentiles, church leaders in Jerusalem sent Barnabas to check it out. “When he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad, and encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord. For he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and…faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord” (Ac 11:23-24 NKJV). Barnabas had three sterling qualities: (1) He’d nothing to prove. He never sought the limelight. When he mentored Paul, he happily let the emerging apostle rise above him, supporting him every step of the way. (2) He’d nothing to lose. He didn’t seek to guard his reputation or fear losing his popularity. He wanted to serve, not be served. (3) He’d nothing to hide. He didn’t try to maintain a facade or image. He remained authentic, vulnerable, and transparent. And best of all, he rejoiced in the success of others.

“Go to the pool…and wash.”
John 9:11

Jesus told this blind man to go to the pool of Siloam and wash the dirt from his eyes. So here’s the question: What do you need to remove from your life today in order to see what God wants you to see and do what He wants you to do? Whether it’s a destructive habit, a toxic relationship, or a bad attitude, you must get rid of it. James writes: “Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded” (Jas 4:7-8 NKJV). God will do His part, but you must do yours. God will extend grace to you, but you must act on it. It’s said that the water which flowed into the pool of Siloam came from under the temple and was used to wash the utensils which were part of worship and sacrifice. In other words, this water didn’t come from a man-made source, but from the presence of God. Don’t miss the point here! Jesus said, “Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you” (Jn 15:3). Paul speaks of “the washing of water by the word” (Eph 5:26). David writes, “How can a young man (or an older one) cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word” (Ps 119:9 NKJV). The secret of victorious Christian living is bathing your mind each day in the Scriptures. Picture yourself taking a bath in God’s Word and the dirt and grime coming off you. That’s what meditating on the Scriptures does for you.