Who Is Increasing?

He must increase, but I must decrease.
-John 3:30 (King James Version)

I said a few weeks ago, right here on the blog, that it seems like Christianity is more of a competition than a cooperation. It seems like there is more competition between churches, ministries, pastor's, and the like, than there is a working together to advance the Kingdom. A good friend of mine who has a online Bible teaching ministry called The Daily Word has said many times that something is a "kingdom work." I think He is right.

In today's scripture, John the Baptist said this, "He must increase, but I must decrease." What was he talking about? In verse 26 we read, " And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and all men come to him." His (John's) disciples came to John and told him that Jesus was receiving more people to baptize than he was. It's almost like they are telling John to "get up and get moving! Jesus is getting more people!" Then, in verse 30, John comes back with his "He must increase, but I must decrease" statement. John is saying that the ministry work of Jesus must get bigger and bigger, while I must decrease. But, I think there is something more here.

As we go on living in the Christian life, as we read and study and apply the Word of God into our lives, Jesus must increase. As we spiritually grow, Jesus must increase. The attitudes of Jesus, the work of Jesus must increase in our lives. While our attitudes, our wants and desires must decrease. 

Are you becoming more like Jesus? Is your wants & desires decreasing, and the desires of Jesus for your life increasing? Think About It.