We must decrease so that Jesus increases

​1-4-23

As we continue celebrating Jesus' birth while waiting for his Second Coming during Epiphany, my devotion for today is based on John the Baptist's words, "Therefore this joy of mine is now complete. He (Jesus) must increase, but I must decrease."

This was John's reply when his followers, offended by Jesus' popularity, thought that John should be more popular. John's reply still speaks to all Christians today. We, as Christians, should decrease so Jesus will increase. This is what I mean. We need to rid ourselves of pride. As we do, we will recognize that our weaknesses, cowardice, and selfishness remain in our life.

The wonderful thing is in our recognizing our inability to rid ourselves of pride and all the sins it brings us, our faith and wisdom in Jesus increases. Thus John's saying, "He, that is Jesus must increase, but I must decrease." comes true in our lives.

Please pray with me, Dear Lord Jesus; I pray that you take away from me all that I trust in if it prevents me from trusting in you alone. I pray that you fill my heart, thoughts, will, and life so I may live in you, through you, and for you. In your blessed name, I pray. Amen