Sunday, 14 September 2014

ZOOMED OUT – Not I, but CHRIST.



John 3:30 – “He must become greater; I must become less.” (NIV) “He must increase, but I must decrease.” (KJV)

I love cameras, being both in front of it and behind it. A shout out to all camera lovers reading this. #highfive# This one’s for you.
You’ll agree with me that using practical examples to pass on a Biblical truth makes more meaning than just going on and on about it. When a practical example is given that I can relate to, the truth behind it sticks to my heart for life. Last Sunday I was in discipleship class when the issue of what it means for Jesus to be magnified in my life was brought up. And almost immediately a bell went ding! in my head. And I was like wait a minute, wait a minute… I can so relate to this!
Okay, okay, okay, so this is what came to my mind: When a camera zooms in on a particular object or image, it focuses solely on that thing and the other parts of the background just kinda fade away from the area that the camera lens is zoomed in on at the moment. So simple an example, yet carrying such heavy truth! I felt God speaking directly to me on the issue being discussed. I realized that when Jesus is magnified in my life, I am no longer seen, but Christ is seen in full view of everyone who looks at my life. Like Apostle Paul would say, “…Not I but Christ…” (Galatians 2:20)
This equally means that my sole duty as a believer should be to live for Christ in every area of my life. When I do this consistently, the lens would be zoomed IN on Christ, and I on the other hand, will be zoomed OUT. And this brings to mind when the rapper Lecrae says, “I could play the background, so won’t You take the lead?”
Jesus Christ must be seen in me and through me. When that happens, He is being magnified. And I am reminded from the Bible that when the Son of Man is lifted up, He will draw all men to Himself.
Its time for me to zoom OUT… so that Jesus can zoom IN…

I leave you with the lyrics of Lecrae’s song, “Background”
Bless…

"Background"
(feat. C-Lite)
[Chorus:]
I could play the background
I could play the background
Cause I know sometimes I get in the way
So won't You take the lead, lead, lead?
So won't You take the lead, lead, lead?
And I could play the background, background
And you could take the lead

[Verse 1:]
It's evident you run the show, so let me back down
You take the leading role, and I'll play the background
I know I miss my cues, know I forget my lines
I'm sticking to your script, and I'm reading all your signs
I don't need my name in lights, I don't need a starring role
Why gain the whole wide world, If I'm just going lose my soul
And my ways ain't pure if I don't live according to Your Word
I can't endure this life without Your wisdom being heard
So word, to every dancer for a pop star
'Cause we all play the background, but mine's a rockstar
Yeah, so if you need me I'll be stage right
Praying the whole world will start embracing stage fright
So let me fall back, stop giving my suggestions
'Cause when I follow my obsessions, I end up confessing
That I'm not that impressive, matter of fact
I'm who I are, a trail of stardust leading to the superstar

[Chorus:]
I could play the background
I could play the background
Cause I know sometimes I get in the way
So won't You take the lead, lead, lead?
So won't You take the lead, lead, lead?
And I could play the background, background
And you could take the lead

[Verse 2:]
I had a dream that I was captain of my soul
I was master of my fate, lost control, and then I sank
So I don't want to take the lead, 'cause I'm prone to make mistakes
All these folks who follow me, gon' end up in the wrong place
So let me just shadow you, let me trace your lines
Matter of fact, just take my pen, here, you create my rhymes
'Cause if I do this by myself, I'm scared that I'll succeed
And no longer trust in you, 'cause I only trust in me
And see, that's how you end up headed to destruction
Paving a road to nowhere, pour your life out for nothing
You pulled my card, I'm bluffing, You know what's in my hand
Me, I just roll and trust you, You cause the dice to land
I'm in control of nothing, follow you at any cost
Some call it sovereign will, all I know is you the boss
Man, I'm so at ease, I'm so content
I'll play the background, like it's an instrument

[Chorus:]
I could play the background
I could play the background
Cause I know sometimes I get in the way
So won't You take the lead, lead, lead?
So won't You take the lead, lead, lead?
And I could play the background, background
And you could take the lead

[Bridge:]
I know I'm safest when I'm in Your will, and trust Your Word
I know I'm dangerous when I trust myself, my vision blurred
And I ain't got no time to play life's foolish games
Got plenty aims, but do they really Glorify Your name
And it's a shame, the way I want to do these things for You, yeah
Don't even cling to you, take time to sit and glean from You
It seems You were patient in my ignorance
If ignorance is bliss, it's 'cause she never heard of this

[Chorus:]
I could play the background
I could play the background
Cause I know sometimes I get in the way
So won't You take the lead, lead, lead?
So won't You take the lead, lead, lead?
And I could play the background, background
And you could take the lead