“He who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice. For this reason my joy has been fulfilled. He must increase, but I must decrease.”
John 3:30 (NRSV)
Even though none of us desire the praise, recognition and honor John gave Jesus, I think there is a valuable lesson for all of us in this text. Sometimes, we have to let go of things to make room for the greater things God has in store for us. Those things that we cling onto for dear life can be holding us back. They must decrease, so God’s purpose and plan can increase. It could be a title, a position, a material possession, or a relationship. For me, it has often been me. I am the one holding me back. It could be fear, lack of faith, pride, or something simple, like poor time management. Sometimes, it is just plain old disobedience. In those times, I must remember that in order for God to increase, I must decrease. So, now onto you, what is holding you back? What must decrease in your life so that God can increase in your life?
