His Increase, Our Decrease

Good morning, Immanuel. Reaching the end of ourselves is the greatest gift because it is there that we find Jesus and His all-satisfying fullness.

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

Photo by Earl Wilcox on Unsplash

When John the Baptist spoke these words, he was explaining to his disciples the joy he found in the coming of the Messiah, for whom he had been preparing the way. His time to decrease had come with the inauguration of Jesus’ public ministry.

These words still resonate with us today as we seek to decrease so that Jesus might increase in us and fill our communities with the beauty of His attributes. Like John, we long for His kingdom to come in how we love one another within the church, reflecting a glimpse of the glory of heaven here on earth.

Our personal decrease is a soul-filling wonder. Reaching the end of ourselves is the greatest gift because it is there that we find Jesus and His all-satisfying fullness. Because of His grace, we are free to acknowledge our weakness, failings, and sin, and to joyfully move forward in His strength and peace. We need not fear decreasing, just as clay does not fear the kiln: God is lovingly molding us into Christlikeness. He is worthy of every part of us and longs to give us more of Himself today.

We can rejoice in God’s faithfulness. He has forgiven our trespasses, in which we were dead, and made us alive in Christ so that we can walk in the newness of life. He will continue to make His name great in us and through us—not because of who we are, but because of who He is for us in Christ.

---

On the Horizon…

• YOUNG PROFESSIONALS GATHERING - Mark your calendars for June 20th for our next Young Professionals gathering. We’ll gather at Richland Park at 6:30 pm for fellowship and encouragement. Bring your own food, and don’t forget to bring some yard games. This will be a great time to invite a friend or co-worker. We hope to see you there!