DECREASE TO INCREASE

A nearby church called a new pastor. He was well received and in a short time, the church began to grow. The attendance at Sunday school and worship services increased beyond expectations. Even the increased number of people at the prayer meeting surprised everyone.

“Congratulations on the way your church is responding to your leadership,” I said after being introduced to him. “What are you doing differently than other churches to see such growth?”

“I’m decreasing,” was his strange reply.

“Decreasing?” I asked with a question mark on my face.

“Yes,” came his quick reply. “It’s what John said about Jesus: ‘He will increase if I will decrease.’“

John’s willingness to decrease is an important first step in humility. Those of us who want to serve God with the gifts He has given us are always tempted to do what John did in reverse order: we want the attention and focus to be upon us and what we are doing when blessings occur and success arrives.

We must never forget that it is always about Him. If we want to see Him at work in our lives, we must do as John did so successfully: point to Him and make Him the “main attraction.” We must never put ourselves first. We must stand aside and let His Kingdom come!

Prayer:  Lord, it’s difficult to get out of the way and not want to be praised for what we do for You. We pray for hearts that are humble and lives that are surrendered to You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture For Today:     He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less. John 3:30