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

Many of us might truly have a desire to see Christ increased-in our personal lives, families, churches, communities, and the world. But all too often we get in the way. Somehow weve got to decrease ourselves in order to increase Him! It can be tempting to want to take credit for successes in life. In fact, it can creep into our lives quite unexpectedly. We might begin by serving the Lord, but slowly the praise of others or the achievements we have build up our egos. This is the time we need to be reminded that greatness doesn’t come from inside us. Any greatness we experience is the work of God through us. I cant help but notice the word must in our Scripture for this week. Its probably no surprise that the increase of the Lord would fall in the must category. He is worthy of limitless praise. But don’t you find it interesting that Gods Word also makes it a necessity for us to decrease? Gods will for us is to give way to Jesus in all His glory. For us to try to steal any would be laughable considering that He is God! There is certainly no reason for a crowd to hang around fascinated by the messenger once they have been pointed in the direction of the King. Do you struggle with a need for recognition? Resist the temptation to pride. Start increasing God in your life, giving recognition and glory to Him. As you decrease, you will find your satisfaction in the glory of an increased God in your heart and life, something others will want to emulate.

Prayer

A proud man is always looking down on things and people; and, of course, as long as you’re looking down, you cant see something thats above you. -- C.S. Lewis

• Bible Readings for the Week Ahead:
• Monday: 2 Chronicles 26:16-19
• Tuesday: James 4:6-10
• Wednesday: Ezekiel 28:11-19
• Thursday: Acts 20:19
• Friday: Titus 3:1-2
• Saturday: Psalm 113:5-6
• Sunday: 1 Peter 5:5