The Most Delicate Mission on Earth
A friend of the Bridegroom quietly steps aside, content to let the spotlight fall where it belongs.
Oswald Chambers is pointing to a vital but often overlooked truth: holiness that truly reflects Christ does not draw people to us—it draws them to Him. Our calling is not to showcase our own transformation or virtue, but to be transparent vessels, loyal friends of the Bridegroom, who usher others into His presence. Just as John the Baptist refused to draw attention to himself and rejoiced in decreasing so that Jesus might increase, so should we.
The danger Chambers highlights is subtle: even good things—virtue, talent, ministry, or obedience—can quietly eclipse our intimacy with Jesus if they become the focus. We can start out wanting to serve Him, but end up drawing people’s attention to our own journey, our charisma, or our accomplishments. Instead of cultivating a life that shines with Christ, we might unknowingly try to shine instead of Him.
Chambers reminds us that the Christian life isn’t primarily about constant decision-making or action—it’s about the steady, tender maintenance of an unbroken, vital union with Jesus. The friendship we have with the Bridegroom must be cherished above all else, even above our outward work for Him. Holiness, in its truest form, should lead people away from us and directly to the One we love.
Personal Journal Entry in the Voice of the Holy Spirit through Scripture
You are not here to gather admiration. You are here to reveal Me. You have been united with Christ in spirit, and it is no longer you who live, but Christ who lives in you. The life you now live in your body is lived by faith in Me, the Son of God, who loved you and gave Myself for you.
When you walk in My light, others see the radiance—but it is My glory, not yours. If they only come away praising your character, they have missed Me. You are My ambassador, called not to speak about yourself but to speak on My behalf. I have given you the ministry of reconciliation, not the ministry of self-reflection or self-promotion. Your sufficiency is not of yourself, but it is from Me.
Remain in Me, as I remain in you. Apart from Me, you can do nothing that carries eternal weight. You are My friend, not merely My servant. I have made My home in you and called you to abide—not strive, not impress, not overshadow—but abide. The world may praise charisma and power, but I delight in the quiet light that draws hearts to My Son.
Guard this intimacy with Me more carefully than your ministry, your calling, even your understanding. For out of this friendship flows everything I want to do through you. When others see your good works, may they glorify your Father in heaven. May your decrease be your joy, and My increase your song.
(Galatians 2:20; 2 Corinthians 5:18–20; John 15:4–5; John 15:15; Matthew 5:16; John 3:30)
Prayer of Confidence
Father, thank You for giving me union with Your Son, the Bridegroom of my soul. I rest in the joy of this friendship that You’ve initiated and sustained. I trust You to live through me in such a way that Jesus—not I—is the one seen, cherished, and followed. You have already placed within me all I need for this delicate mission. So I won’t strive to be noticed—I’ll simply yield to You, knowing that as I do, Your Son will be lifted up in my life. May I decrease gladly, for in His increase is all my delight.
Devotional insight credit: Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest
Photo credit: Unsplash.com