JOHN 3:30 – He (Christ) must increase, but I must decrease. “
It is a tall order but nevertheless the order. It is what defines the compass by which the Christian is to navigate through the difficulties of living in a sinful and distracting world. It is the reason why we are saved. And it is the highest privilege a human being will ever pursue and experience. This “it” is today’s scripture; living a life of self-disciplined and spiritual resolve to make much of Christ. Or to see Him increase as the priority in our lives and ourselves fade over the horizon. Sounds good, right? But what are the practical ways we may see the Lord Jesus become the orbit point for all areas in our lives? Let’s consider two . . .
First, stop and realize what He did for us in accomplishing our salvation. He didn’t just satisfy God’s wrath and give us heaven. He purchased or ransomed us at the highest of costs – Knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot (1 Peter 1:18-19). And what does this mean in a practical way? We are owned by Christ, purchased by Christ, and as such, we are His possession to be used for His purposes (1 Peter 2:9). Ask the Lord to help us see we are “bought property” by Christ and no longer to live for our wills, desires, and pleasures. Remembering this will free us from the bondage of selfishness and settle our lives on the pursuit of Christ as our chief priority in life.
Another way to ensure Christ is the chief priority in life is to ponder the privilege God grants you concerning Himself and Christ – Since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent (John 17:1-2). When was the last time we were spiritually overwhelmed with praise and gratitude for God choosing us, we didn’t choose Him, to be in His Son and enable us to know Him? If it has been awhile, stop and consider how few people are Christians. Jesus told us, “For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few” (Matthew 7:14). And it we are one of the few, then it makes perfect sense to make Him who made us one of the few life’s chief priority and pursuit!
He must increase and I must increase. Not just words of passionate direction from John the Baptist but for us as well. To strive to make much of Christ and little of ourselves is what it means to be a true Christian. After all, we are left on earth for these purposes!
PRAYER: “Father, help me to make Your Son my highest priority in life by how I live, what I say, and decisions I make.”
QUOTE: “The Christian’s calling is to reflect Christ, make much of Christ, and become more passionate about Christ.”
Because of Him,
Pastor Jim