It's pretty obvious that St. John the Baptist knew who he was. John knew his purpose. He understood his mission. Diversions and attachments placed aside, he was able to verbalize his mission in clarity.
He shouts, "I baptize with water;but there is one among you whom you do not recognize, the one who is coming after me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to untie."
From the quiet desert he understood.
A VehJohn is able to tell us that the first step in the spiritual life is simple: you must see your life not as your own project but as a vehicle for God's purposes.
However, we are all absorbed in our own lives, forgetting that the road to God is one of self-forgetfulness.
This disposition helps us to focus on Christ and his mission.
But in order for us to do this we must be cleansed of all attachments and baptized in the fiery love of God.
