He Must Increase but I Must Decrease

John the Baptist wore clothing of camel hair, a leather girdle, and ate locusts and wild honey. He was a thundering, odd-looking, prophet at the onset of the New Testament, but what can we learn from him today? 

One important statement he made was a demonstration of his humility. 

"He must increase, but I must decrease" 

(John 3:30, KJV).

Historical Context

John was replying to his disciples's concerns that the disciples of Christ were baptizing more people than John.

This would be a normal concern of any disciple in that day, in that their rabbi, i.e. teacher, was being outdone.

But John was not concerned about that. John understood who Jesus Christ was, and humbled himself saying that his own fame was not as important as Christ's exaltation. 

Faith Lesson

John's example reminds us of how we should view ourselves in light of Christ. 

As Christians, he showed us that what we do is not about us, but about magnifying Jesus Christ in any endeavor. 

Do we seek the glory of the Lord in what we do or do we tend to take the glory for ourselves when praise is given?

How often do we become tempted to glorify ourselves or protect our own images so that people will look upon us with admiration? 

John the Baptist showed us that it is not I but Christ who is more important.

Reflection

What things are you proud of in your life?

What things do you like others to see about you?

What things do you like to receive credit for?

What things do you like to use to impress others—to get them to look at you and say, "wow, you're good"?

Where/when do you fail to magnify the Lord?

Where can you decrease so the Lord may increase? 

Sharing

What are the personal implications of this message for you?

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Image 1 Source: www.LumoProject.com

Image 2 Source: www.LumoProject.com