Just how important are you?

This morning I passed a business with a large sign stating: “VIP SMOG CENTER.”

In the State of California, citizens are required to have their cars smog inspected as part of their auto registration renewal. Like people across the country, Californians occasionally have to go down to a smog inspection station to have their auto smog system checked.

It’s simple. It’s routine. It doesn’t take long, it’s just a boring little process — and additional fee — required of us.

So how silly is it to market a business as “VIP SMOG CENTER”?!

Who needs a “VIP” place to get their car smog checked? What makes this little shop more special than an “ordinary smog center”? And what would make a PERSON so important, so special, that they need an alternative to the gas station approved to do smog checks?

This “VIP SMOG CENTER” had less to offer than a gas station that does smog inspections. This “center” really was just a three-sided place with a roof to pull in a car and conduct an inspection. There was no waiting area with used magazines, vending machines, free coffee, a television or wi-fi. In fact, I couldn’t see any place made available for customers to wait other than stand in front of the shop!

BUT, the owner has tapped into what so often motivates us: VIP. You could feel more important by driving your car down to the VIP SMOG CENTER rather than pulling into an Exxon, Mobil, Shell or other such gas station approved and certified to conduct smog inspections.

Those are for ordinary people.

You’re special.

You deserve the best!

That’s similar to the attitude that was coursing through Eve’s mind when Satan, disguised as a serpent, suggested she needed something more than the regular offerings of the garden, she need something special. She was VIP, after all, so why not partake of the finest and be like God?

Eve took the bait, and so have we all. We bought the appeal of indulgence.

Even when it comes to smog inspections!

It was someone who didn’t look very VIP, and who didn’t claim to be VIP, that set before us a better attitude. John the Baptist came onto the Bible scene dressed in coarse clothing, eating foods reserved for “Survivor” contests, and generally drawing attention because of his simpleness along with the simplicity of his message, which included this:

“John replied, ‘No one can receive anything unless God gives it from heaven. You yourselves know how plainly I told you, “I am not the Messiah. I am only here to prepare the way for him.” It is the bridegroom who marries the bride, and the best man is simply glad to stand with him and hear his vows. Therefore, I am filled with joy at his success. He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less,'” (John 3:27-30).

John the Baptist understood that while our importance to God cannot be understated (as we see it reflected from the Cross), self-importance can be dramatically over-stated. Like John’s, our role in this life is to prepare the way for the Savior, this time for His return. Our job is to exalt Christ to a lost world, to lift Him up rather than ourselves.

Whose greatness are you pursuing: yours, or God’s? Do you work harder to exalt yourself, or Christ? How are you “increasing” Christ and “decreasing” yourself?

Who’s the real VIP?

Scotty