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He must increase, but I must decrease. John 3:30
D.L. MOODY
If we preached down ourselves and exalted Christ, the world would soon be reached. The world is perishing today for the want of Christ. The church could do without our theories and pet views, but not without Christ; and when her ministers get behind the cross so that Christ is held up, the people will come flocking to hear the gospel.
Selfishness is one of the greatest hindrances to the cause of Christ. Everyone wants the chief seat in the synagogue (Matthew 23:6). One prides himself that he is pastor of this church, and another of that. Would to God we could get all this out of the way and say, “He must increase, but I must decrease.” We cannot do it, however, except we get down at the foot of the cross. Human nature likes to be lifted up; the grace of God alone can humble us.
ERWIN LUTZER
Think of all of the divisions—arguments that would be avoided if only we were convinced that we do not need to be exalted; we do not need positions or power or control. If only we kept focusing on Christ, our humility would overcome our needless arguments.
Interestingly, humility is not a fruit of the Spirit. Why? Because it is a choice; we choose the path of humility. “Therefore it says, ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’ Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:6–7). And Peter echoes the same thought, “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you” (1 Peter 5:6).
If we don’t humble ourselves, God may do it for us. I’ve seen proud leaders brought low when their secret sin was exposed; I have seen gifted people fail at their endeavors. Let us all say with John the Baptist, “He must increase, but I must decrease.”
PRAYER
Father, help me choose humility and to see myself as you do.REFLECTION QUESTIONS
Why does pride get in the way of our relationship with God?
What would it look like for Christ to increase in your life right now?