«He must increase, but I must decrease» (John 3:30).
Let’s be honest, no one likes second place. Applause goes to those in first place, and the crowds usually follow the winner, not the loser. That’s why whenever I think of the example of John the Baptist, I can’t help but feel great admiration for this hero of faith.
According to the biblical account, John the Baptists ministry attracted so many followers that, at one point, people began to wonder if he were the Christ (see Luke 3:15). In fact, according to Ellen G. White, his «influence over the nation had been greater than that of its rulers, priests, or princes. «—The Desire of Ages, ch. 18, p. 178. Can you imagine what would have happened if John had declared himself to be the Messiah? Undoubtedly, crowds would have followed him, but the results would have been disastrous.
I thank God because John the Baptist knew not only who he was, but especially who he was not. He knew that he was not the Christ, but one sent before the Messiah to prepare the way for Him (see John 3:28; Matthew 3:3). And he was also aware that he was not the Bridegroom, but the friend of the Bridegroom (John 3:29). And precisely because he knew who he was not, he was able to say in reference to the Lord Jesus Christ: «He must increase, but I must decrease» (John 3:30). That’s greatness at its finest! The greatness of a man who had no problem taking second place.
Would you like to be great? Find out what your place is in the Lord’s vineyard and occupy it. Know what your mission is and fulfill it. Above all, whatever work you do, do it faithfully and for the glory of God without worrying about being number one in the sight of others. When all is said and done, what’s the raison d’etre of our lives: being number one or striving for Christ to be number one?
Make Christ the center of your life and, just like the Baptist, you will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
Heavenly Father, please help me today
and always to give Christ the first place,
for only He is worthy of the honor and glory.
Additionally, please banish from my heart
that strong tendency to always want to occupy the first place
and that craving for the applause and recognition of others.
Like John the Baptist, may my greatest joy be to fulfill my work
in such a way that Christ may be glorified.
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Taken from: Devotional Readings for Adults 2022
“GREAT IS OUR GOD!”
From: FERNANDO ZABALA
Colaboradores: Xiomara Perdomo & Angelica Cuate