August 4

Today’s Reading - John 3:22-36

Thought:

“He must increase, but I must decrease.” What a powerful statement. John had certainly gained a great deal of notoriety and a large following during his preaching in the wilderness. No doubt, some of his followers, motivated by their respect for and loyalty to John, felt threatened by Jesus’ presence. But John understood that it wasn’t about him. It was about Jesus. John had fulfilled his role in preparing the way for Jesus and now, it was time for him to humbly and submissively give way to the Master. There is a great lesson there for us. So often, we know Jesus and want to have a relationship with Him but don’t want to get out of the way so that He can have control. We are happy to share our lives with Him but we are not willing to give Him our lives. We would do well to learn from John and follow his example by saying, “He must increase, but I must decrease.”

Why is it important that we give our lives to Christ?