Jesus, Increase as I Decrease

Daily Devotional, Monday, May 3, 2021

He must increase, but I must decrease.

John 3:30 (ESV)

History teaches us that many military coups are planned and implemented by lower-cadre officers against unsuspecting seniors. Some juniors cannot resist the urge to become more powerful and more famous than their bosses.  

After His baptism, Jesus started to gain more followers than John the Baptist. In John 3:22-26, John’s disciples attempted to arouse jealousy in their leader. Perhaps the wanted John to regain his position as the ‘more popular leader.’

John stated that he was the ‘friend of the bridegroom’ and was rejoicing at the coming of the ‘bridegroom’ – Jesus ((John 3:29). Concerning Jesus, he said, “He must increase, but I must decrease.” (John 3:30).

As Christians, we need to understand and practice the principle in this statement. Jesus wants sole ownership of our lives, but He often meets with opposition from our selfish natures.

Paul summarized our dilemma when he wrote, “For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing.” (Romans 7:19, ESV).

Thank God because He offers His Holy Spirit and adequate grace to help us in the battle against sin. However, we have a role to play – to cooperate with Christ by surrendering our will and lives to Him.

Whenever your ego attempts to drown the presence of Christ in your life, say, “He must increase, but I must decrease.” When pride begins to rise in your heart, tell Jesus, “You must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less.” (New Living Translation).

The day is soon coming when those who humble themselves today will be exalted (Matthew 23:12) by the same Jesus they exalted in their lives.

Jesus, increase as I decrease.