Decreasing So That He May Increase
LENT 2025 DEVOTIONAL:
John 3:22-36 (NIV)
(Yeo Su Chen, Chairperson, Communications)
John 3:30 resonates with me: “He must increase, but I must decrease” (ESV).
This verse, spoken by John the Baptist, encapsulates the essence of humility and purpose within the Christian life. John, the forerunner of Christ, understood his role was to prepare the way and elevate the Messiah, not himself.
In my own life, embracing the principle of me decreasing and God increasing presents a lifelong challenge. In a world obsessed with self-promotion and the pursuit of recognition, John the Baptist’s example seems radical. Yet, it is precisely this radical humility that allows God to work through us most effectively. To truly “decrease,” or “become less”, I must prioritise fulfilling God’s purpose above my own selfish desires. I must decrease so that God can take over the wheel.
To decrease so that God can increase in my life, I must focus on:
1. Prioritising prayer
2. Surrendering to and trusting God
3. Practising servant leadership
I will:
1. Intentionally create space for God in my daily life, to become more attuned to His will and less reliant on my own limited understanding. This means reducing my time spent on distractions like social media, unnecessary social or unproductive activities and excessive worry, and increasing time dedicated to prayer, Scripture reading, and solitude with Him.
2. Surrender to God allowing Him to take the lead. By releasing my anxieties and fears to Him, I can experience the peace and freedom that come from trusting in His plan. This involves decreasing my compulsive need to control every aspect of my life and increase my willingness to let go of outcomes.
3. Practise servant leadership by putting the needs of others first and allowing God to work through me and demonstrate His love to the world. This requires decreasing my focus on personal desires and control and increasing my efforts in serving and empowering those around me.
Lord, help me to put aside my own pride and desires so that You may be glorified in my life. Show me how I can decrease so that You may increase. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Reflection Questions:
1. What is your understanding of verse 30, “He must become greater; I must become less”?
2. Is Jesus taking centre stage in your life? If not, why not?
3. What is the one thing you need to surrender to God so that He will increase in your life, and you decrease?
