Day 13: Decrease

Read: John 3:22-36 

I’ve loved weddings for as long as I can remember. I have one older sister who is married. Her wedding was such an exciting time for me. I had the privilege of being her Maid of Honor. The day of, I got to wear a pretty dress, have my makeup and hair done, dance, eat great food, and spend time with friends and family. I also had to prepare a speech. It was an important day in my life, but it wasn’t about me. The celebration was to honor my sister’s marriage. I was there to celebrate my sister; it was her day. Getting to celebrate with her and be a small part of her wedding was a blessing to me.  

John the Baptist was an important figure in the New Testament. He was the cousin of Jesus, born to prepare the way for Him. He had an important job. John testified about Jesus, pointed others to Him, and baptized people in the name of God.  

One day he was baptizing people at Aenon while Jesus was also baptizing people nearby. John’s disciples became upset for him. John didn’t get angry. Instead, he replied in verse 29, “The one who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice. Therefore this joy of mine is now complete.” 

Just like a bridesmaid or groomsman, John was happy for Christ because He knew it was His time. Jesus was to be praised. He was the groom. John was just happy to be a part of the work He was doing. He humbled himself so that Christ could be glorified. “He must increase, but I must decrease,” John declared. 

Those words need to be prevalent in our lives. God must come first. He needs to be glorified above all. God needs to be more important than ourselves or our glorification. We must decrease, so that God’s name can be lifted higher. 

Life isn’t about making a name for ourselves, rather it’s about glorifying God in everything we do. It’s not about the good we do, our ministry, our impact, or our glory. John was just happy to be a part of His mission, and we should too. We need to have humility, to think less about ourselves and more about Him. He deserves all the praise and glory.  

John continues in verse 31, “He who comes from above is above all. He who is of the earth belongs to the earth and speaks in an earthly way. He who comes from heaven is above all.” Jesus is above everything.  

In what areas of your life must you decrease so that Christ can increase? What are some ways that you can show humility in your everyday life in order to honor God?