There is a popular television show called “The Voice.” This show showcases the singing abilities of individuals who are really talented from all over the United States. I’ve watched the show a few times and there were some great “voices” to be heard. These contestants stand tall, proud, and confident and their desire is to be discovered and made famous.

As I was reading my Bible the other day I realized that this wasn’t an original idea. Long before “The Voice” was ever aired on TV there was another voice. A voice that many heard and were drawn to see. This voice was that of the great John the Baptist. However, unlike the contestants on “The Voice,” John wasn’t seeking to be discovered or made famous.

In John 1:19-36 we find the wonderful story of John’s baptism of repentance. At the beginning John is being questioned by the Priest and the Levites. They ask him if he was the Christ and he replied, “I am not.” They asked, “Are you Elias? Are you a prophet?” He said he was not. Then they asked, “Who art thou?” In verse 23 he answered saying, “I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness.”

This amazes me. The desire to be in the spotlight had to be tempting. All the people were coming to John. All the attention was on him. All the questions were focused toward John and all he said was, “I am a voice.” He didn’t want any attention; he didn’t desire any glory within himself. He simply knew his mission was to point people to the Savior. His message was not about his baptism but it was about the coming Christ. When everyone stood at the Jordan River looking at John baptize, he pointed to Jesus and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God.” He was saying, “Don’t look at me but rather look at Him.”

This is a lesson for us all to learn from. We have agendas that we veneer with our convictions and standards, that the majority of the time pushes people away from Jesus instead of pointing them to Him. We mount our pulpits with all the eyes upon us and we accept, or dare I say, glory in the compliments of others bragging on our sermons. We bask in the attention that we garner from being up in front of others, leading the service and being put in a position of power and honor in the church.

I want to be a voice! I desire to be that one that simply points the people’s attention to the only one who can save them, without any selfish motive, bragging rights, or personal glory from men. A truehearted, God-filled voice needs to be heard in Union. A voice that will say, “Don’t look at me nor my efforts but rather look at Jesus. Jesus, the one who conquered death, Hell, and the grave. Jesus, who will give you victory as you travel life’s highway.” Let us all strive to be a voice for Christ.

Tune in to WBCU 103.5 FM Sundays at noon for the Shining Light Broadcast. I preach a 15-minute message that I pray will be a blessing to those who listen. If you have a prayer concern, comment, or question, please write to: Voice of Victory, Attn: David Burrell, PO Box 1221, Pacolet, SC 29372, message me on Facebook, or e-mail me at daveburrell@live.com.