Paul was amazed by the visions and revelations he received from God, as a gift of divine goodness. Such benevolences did great good in the life of that servant, for he had the help of Heaven to understand things that the common man, despite being saved, cannot comprehend. However, Paul knew that it was not good to be vain, because that could distance him from Jesus (Luke 18:14).

No matter how much the Lord uses you, never boast. The Scriptures have already foreseen that the saved might be tempted to consider themselves responsible for the good things that happen to them, and some people would even give large sums to attain those positions in the Lord (James 1:16-17; Acts 8:14-23). Why abandon humility in Christ to live far from His love? God rewards those who humble themselves, exalting them to lead more people to believe in Jesus (1 Peter 5:6).

John the Baptist is an example of a servant who understood his position: the one who came so that Jesus might be exalted, and he, diminished: He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice. Therefore this joy of mine is fulfilled.  He must increase, but I must decrease (John 3.29,30). It would be good if all of God's servants thought like this!

We are part of the eternal plan, devised by the Creator. John the Baptist spoke of himself and the Lamb of God: He who comes from above is above all; he who is of the earth is earthly and speaks of the earth. He who comes from heaven is above all.  (John 3.31). Do not try to promote yourself; let the Holy Spirit do that, if it is the divine purpose for your life.

The position offered by the Almighty in His great plan for the salvation of the lost is already more than enough. Failing to give the due glory to His Name is following a direction that did not come from Heaven, but rather from the throne of the defeated. We are simple servants whom divine love has chosen in the faithfulness of Jesus, the beloved Son of the Father (Revelation 1:8). With sincerity and love, we must be content with our mission.

Live clearly and sincerely the visions and revelations that God grants you. Do not be filled with pride because of them, so that your light may not be extinguished: Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life (Revelation 2.10). Watch and pray!

In His infinite mercy and boundless love, God has destined us part of the glory of giving the world His Word with signs, wonders, and miracles, which accompany the message that man would never hear if the Lord did not truly love us. It is not worth leaving the light to live in the darkness of forbidden passion, debauchery, and other sins!

         In Christ, with love,

         R. R. Soares