Friend or Opportunist

What type of friend are you?

A question we need to always ask ourselves to make sure we are on the right track. I find it interesting that we use the term but never really reflect what it truly means. Not throwing "Shade" just stating what I observed. I was taught that a relationship may not always be equal all the time but if both parties are giving their best and devoted to making the relationship a success then it is worth keeping.

Now! What if you are the friend in the spotlight then things shift? And you are no longer the hot topic! How will you respond? Are you happy? Jealous? Competitive? We have all been at the place when we say, "why not me", "I wanted that", or "I just did all of that, for nothing?" This is the moment our motives come into play, but John taught us a very valuable lesson.

We all know that John the Baptist was the one who prepared the way for Jesus, keyword PREPARED. He was not the Son of God, Bridegroom, Messiah, or any other name we refer to him by. He was just simply here to prepare, make ready, and condition the people for his arrival. One way he did that was by baptism. John was the one who baptizes JESUS, but he was NOT Jesus. John had done so many things to prepare the people, SO MANY THINGS! Why? Because of his deep love for Jesus Christ and at all cost was loyal to his call. John told us from the jump, that he was not worthy to tie his scandal. This meant to me he knew his position and what he was sent to do. He wasn't out here trying to be great, name dropping, or creating his own platform!

Anywho, the story progresses, and baptism was happening. John was baptizing, and Jesus was too! A issus broke out because John's followers wanted to know why everyone was going to Jesus. They wanted to know why John wasn't mad. And he explained simply in John 3:29....

The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom's voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete.

What does this mean? He was like Jesus's best man! John knew the part he played in the big picture. There was no need for him to be in his feelings; because he knew that his part was just as great and needed. Now, that Jesus has taken center stage, John was full of happiness, and his job was complete.

The lesson to learn in all of that is simple to me: Be the friend you want someone to be to you. You may never get accolades, appreciated, or rewarded openly for the things you do. However, what you can do is do YOUR PART IN EXCELLENCE. Not just because people may see you or you will gain something in the end but because you love unconditionally and want to see the vision, dream, mission, or whatever come to pass.

Sometimes we think it's all about us or were entitled to something because we were a part of the process. Sorry, Charlie, it doesn't work like that all the time. I've learned that sometimes you must sacrifice your wants and needs for the sake of Christ and your loved ones. So, let's stop being "selfie" driven and be a team player because While you trying to be in the spotlight; who's on your post?