“He must increase, but I must decrease.” – John 3:30
In Thursday Morning Bible study we studied the 3rd and 4th chapters of the Gospel of John today. We talked a bit about this verse: “He must increase, but I must decrease.” The speaker is John the Baptist. I really, really like these words. Lately, I’ve been fighting against this idea. I have been hesitant to embrace the reality that I need to do some decreasing.
It’s terrible (and I hate to admit it), but a tiny part of me wants someone at this church to notice the crazy hours I am working all the time. I’m totally longing for someone to say “thanks.” But whatever. That’s silly. Why do I care about that? The truth is, they aren’t going to know about all that goes on here at church – and they really shouldn’t have to. Why do I have this internal longing for affirmation? That is not being a very good servant! I need a John the Baptist-style attitude. If anyone could have complained about Jesus hogging all the attention, it was John. If anyone could have asked for a little more credit, it was John. But instead, he points to Jesus. Directly to Jesus! He doesn’t say, “Hey. Look at me. I’ve been preparing the way for ages! Your welcome, Jesus!” Instead, he says, “He must increase, but I must decrease.”
Everyone has challenges in their working and family lives. Lots of people work incredibly long hours. We all do good work; oftentimes without affirmation. And that’s just how it is. So I’ve decided that instead of waiting for encouragement from outside sources, I’m going to keep focusing on being an encourager for others. And even more that, I am going to try to really live out these words of John. “He must increase, but I must decrease.” Sometimes taking a decrease means swallowing a great big dose of humility. A humble heart – now that is just what the true Doctor ordered.
E, Just catching up on your journey. thanks for this post. As I look ahead to advent, this is timely and pointed. I too look for affirmation from others but of course no one is going to notice or, say thanks, so I need to learn to rest in knowing that God honours all that we do - and that is enough.
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E, Just catching up on your journey. thanks for this post. As I look ahead to advent, this is timely and pointed. I too look for affirmation from others but of course no one is going to notice or, say thanks, so I need to learn to rest in knowing that God honours all that we do - and that is enough.
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