Her life was all about being less so He could become more. Chosen by God for the coveted role of the Messiah’s mother, Mary began the journey of being less. If she ever grieved it, wept over the losses, or complained, we don’t know it. From the night of her visitation, it was all about letting go … on a scale no other mother has known.
- less of a reputation
- less of an engagement
- less acceptance
- less comfort
- less security
- less of a wedding
- less privacy
- less carefree
- less control
- less of a normal future
“And Mary said, ‘Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.'” (Luke 1:38)
She was saying, “I am Your servant. I will be less so You can be greater.” Too often, I want to be God’s servant if He’ll watch out for my comfort, my preferences, my reputation, my profit and my greatness, too. I am slow to embrace God’s call to be less of me.
The plan for the very Son of God and His greatness depended on her willingness to embrace a lifetime of less. He knew she would, and maybe that’s why He chose her. When it comes to eagerly embracing a life of “less,” I’m definitely less of a woman of Mary. But her example reminds me God looks for those who yield their lives to Him, and then He makes Himself greater through them. And that makes me want to learn the lessons of less.
One less Christmas for me may begin with small acts of obedience. I imagine that Mary’s “lesser life” began with small moments too. Laying back down that night after that announcement. Going to see her relative Elizabeth to share the miracles. Facing her neighbors when she started to “show” and they acted awkward. Living less so He becomes more starts with small steps of obedience.
What does “less of you” look like this Christmas?
- Staying within our gift budget, so we have money to give to someone in need.
- Inviting someone to our holiday celebration, even though they’re so awkward.
- Taking time to be still with the Lord, instead of using all of our time being busy.
- Making time to worship instead of making excuses.
- Using my energy to be more kind and less controlling.
- Giving a gift that turns a heart to truth, instead of just to entertainment.
- Weaving Jesus into our conversation and not worrying about rejection.
- Being grateful for a gift lovingly given, though you really wanted another.
What small step of “less” of you may God ask you to take today? This December? I admit I’m a little relieved to know He won’t ask me to repeat the virgin birth, ride a donkey to Bethlehem, give birth in a cave, bear the Son of God, or watch my son hang on a cross. Maybe He’ll ask more of me as I show Him I’m really serious about less of me and more of Him. Maybe He’ll give me “Mary-sized glimpses” of Himself as I follow the young Jewish woman’s example and let Him use me to make Him greater.
I have a feeling I’ll have a choice today about whether or not to put “me first” or gladly take “less” so He will be greater. Maybe you will too. Are you ready?
Love this post. So often we think we need to do something major to glorify God and we miss the numerous opportunities to “become less” throughout our day. Thanks for the motivation and encouragement.
I think I’m the queen of making things more complicated than they need to be. So often, “less” really is more.