Decrease to Increase
Thursday, June 24
Decrease to Increase
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.’ John 3:27-28
The sacrifices the Apostle Paul was willing to make for the kingdom of God continues to encourage believers this day. Has he travelled in the fashion of modern tourists many might have envied him the pleasure of visiting some of the loveliest regions. But when we hear him saying of himself, “we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwelling place,” etc.; and when we read the account of his sufferings, “I have worked harder, been put in prison more often, been whipped times without number, and faced death again and again.” 2 Corinthians 11:23, we may think this journey is too much.
While no one is willing to sacrifice for the kingdom, it is important when we are faced with challenging times we use it as an opportunity to bring glory to God.
To John the Baptist, it was: “He must increase, but I must decrease”. The ‘must’ was not only about Jesus increasing, but also about John decreasing. John saw both as things that had to happen. He didn’t want to take anything from the glory that Jesus deserves. This allowed many people – including you and I – to focus on Jesus and put our faith in Him, instead of focusing on someone else.
God has called us to be His witnesses wherever He sends us. Be sure that you are pointing others to Christ and not self. He (God) must increase while we must decrease.
Prayer for today: Dear God, forgive me for the times I put myself first instead of shining the light back to You. I pray for a humble heart and for a continued reverence for Your Son, Jesus Christ. May He increase, while I decrease every day. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.