Devotionals

Humility
John 3:30
"He must increase, but I must decrease."

John the Baptist knocked a home run with this statement. He truly understood what this thing we call Christianity is all about. Jesus said there has no been born that is greater than John the Baptist. Perhaps it is because John truly new how to die to self. After this statement John went on to imprisonment, suspense, and martyrdom. John new it was time to step back and simply point to the "lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world." John had a following, a ministry, influence, and even access to the king. He turns this entire life over in order that Jesus has preeminence.

We live in an age in which it seems that everyone wants to climb to the top and somehow get as much glory for self as possible. This mindset not only affects the world we live in, but also it has had great damage upon the modern church. In the religious world there is much talk about numbers, size of buildings, types of programs offered, size of choir, number of services on Sunday morning, and etc. Should there not be more talk about Jesus than about the things that we think make us look better. If a church had John's mentality it might proclaim that numbers are down, building is small, and we cannot keep up with other churches, but JESUS IS BEING HONORED THROUGHOUT THE COMMUNITY WE LIVE IN! Should it not be the sole desire of the church to honor the Lord who is her head? Oh, that there would be more conversation about Him. When the inevitable question comes to you; "How was your church service today?" Don't respond by saying number were up or down, but respond by talking about the Lord and the goodness of His Word that He placed upon your heart.

There is an entire shift of philosophy if it is all about Him. Church is not about what everyone else is wearing, who is here today, or who is singing the special. Our motive for church should be to have Christ more magnified in our lives and to have more deficit in our own.

Beloved, ask the Lord how he can be increased in your life today. Ask the Lord how you can have more of your stubborn pride humbled in a way that will honor Him. Seek out this day to present Christ as your most prized passion. By your life and words show the world your great Savior and take the emphasis off of self.