"He must increase, but I must decrease" (John 3:30).
We return to our study of John today by looking at pride. The heart of sin is pride, that desire of men and women to rule their own lives on their own terms for their own benefit. Ultimately, pride has as its object to reject the rule and guidance of God.
As shameful as it sounds, it is not uncommon for ministers to be ruled by such pride, to be jealous of the abilities and successes of others. Very often followers of such men pride themselves in their self-appointed messiah. They put the opinions of such men above the Word of God, placing more importance on the man than on Christ. Sometimes the teacher himself, as in the case of John the Baptist, shuns such man-centered devotion, but it is often more difficult to shed a following than to gain one.
How, then, did John the Baptist deal with this self-exalting devotion? First, he remembered his position and his calling. He declared that no man can receive anything unless it is given to him by God. Every person’s position and task are determined by God. They can change, of course, but not apart from God’s decree. God had ordained John the Baptist to be a herald of Christ, not Christ Himself. John accepted this fact with exemplary humility.
Second, John recognized that the church does not belong to the minister of Christ, but to Christ Himself. A man should never take for himself what rightly belongs to God any more than the best man would take the bride away from the groom. If you are a minister, the church does not belong to you. You are to build up the church for Christ, not for your own agenda. Therefore, everything you teach and everything you do should be according to His Word and for His glory.
Third, John was filled with joy to see people leaving him and going to Christ. That was his purpose! He came to declare the coming of the King. The King had come, and his job was finished. John was willing to step from the limelight because he knew and accepted his role in God’s redemptive plan. As Christ’s servant, John looked forward to the day when Christ would increase and he would decrease. May it be this way in all of our lives as we seek not our own glory but the glory of God.
It is easy to become devoted to a man or a man-made institution rather than follow Christ. Many people will remain in an apostate church for years simply because they like the pastor or don’t want to leave their friends. How do you put others or yourself before Christ? Make a list. Confess these things and pray for humility.
