John 3:30-31: “He must increase, but I must decrease. He who comes from above is above all; he who is of the earth is earthly and speaks of the earth. He who comes from Heaven is above all.” 

John the Baptist had a thriving ministry in the Judean countryside. People were flocking to hear him preach as he called them to repentance. John had many “disciples” and people from the entire region came out to see this great, charismatic personality (Mark 1:5). 

However, John knew it would all be short-lived. He knew that a transition had to soon take place when the Messiah would come. He put it this way: “He must increase, and I must decrease” 

There is a very similar transition that must take place as we observe God using us to touch other people’s lives. During this crisis, God will provide many opportunities for His people to have a significant impact on others as they reach out to us for encouragement, hope, and support. 

Actually, there is nothing quite so rewarding as knowing that God is using you in people’s spiritual journey. It’s easy to feel “possessive” about such a rewarding experience. When people begin to follow us because they are drawn to seeing Christ in us, we must help them transfer that trust and affection to Christ. Like John, He must increase, and we must decrease.

True humility will motivate a godly jealousy inside the believer to keep the focus on devotion to Christ.