✝️✨Pastor Daren Mehl Quote: “Another person’s ministry is not a threat to ours. It’s for the glory of God and it’s building up his kingdom.”
Bible Verse: John 3:26 (LSB) — “And they came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, He who was with you beyond the Jordan, to whom you have borne witness, behold, He is baptizing and all are coming to Him.””
Devotional Summary: John the Baptist’s disciples saw people going to Jesus and told John that “all are coming to Him.” Two ministries were working near each other, and their words raised a question: Would John feel threatened? The Bible does not tell us exactly what the disciples were thinking, so we should be careful not to judge their hearts. But their report exposes a temptation we know well: comparing our work with someone else’s. We may feel overlooked when another believer receives praise, or we may wonder whether our own service matters. Pride turns a gift from God into a contest for attention. Yet those who come to faith do not belong to a pastor, a volunteer, or a church program; they belong to Jesus.
When another person teaches, serves, prays, or shares the gospel well, the church has reason to rejoice. We are not competing for the same applause; we are working for the glory of the same Lord. God is gathering His people, and every life drawn to Christ is a reason for thanksgiving. If envy rises in your heart, bring it into the light and confess it to the Father. His grace teaches us to love our brothers and sisters rather than compare ourselves with them. Today, look for one faithful servant you can encourage, especially one whose work is rarely noticed.
Reflection Question: When I hear that another person or church is bearing fruit, what does John 3:26 reveal about my heart, and how might the Holy Spirit lead me to respond with praise rather than envy?
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that Jesus is Lord of His church. Holy Spirit, teach me to recognize envy before it takes root. Remind me that every person who comes to Christ is a gift of Your grace. Give me a joyful heart when another believer serves well, and guide my words so I can encourage others instead of comparing myself with them. Let our church stand together in love and point our neighbors to Jesus. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
Psalm: Psalm 133:1 (LSB) — “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity!”
Reflection Song: “The Church’s One Foundation” — Samuel J. Stone (words) and Samuel S. Wesley (music). Worship video: https://www.reawakenhymns.com/thechurchsonefoundation
Why This Song: This hymn names Jesus as the church’s foundation, reminding us to seek unity instead of rivalry.