He Must Increase — Living with Humility and Purpose

“He must increase, but I must decrease.”

— John 3:30

John the Baptist’s Example

John the Baptist was called to a unique and powerful task—preparing the way for the Messiah. His preaching was bold, uncompromising, and clear. People flocked to the wilderness to hear him, and even the Pharisees left their cities to listen. Yet when Jesus stepped into His public ministry, John’s response was not jealousy or bitterness but humility: “He must increase, but I must decrease.”

This single statement reveals the heart of true discipleship. John understood his role: to point people to Christ, not to himself.

Our Call to Decrease

In our culture, people chase fame, influence, and attention. Social media encourages us to put ourselves at the center. But the Christian life is not about promoting self—it is about exalting Christ. Paul echoed this in Galatians 2:20 when he wrote, “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me.”

To decrease means to lay aside selfish ambition, pride, and personal agendas. It means living in such a way that others see Christ in us, not simply us.

Serving Like Jesus

Jesus Himself modeled this kind of humility. In John 13, He washed His disciples’ feet—the work of a servant. Greatness in God’s kingdom is not measured by how many serve us, but by how many we serve.

When we decrease and Christ increases, our hearts are turned outward. We stop asking, “What can the church do for me?” and start asking, “How can I serve others?” True discipleship is about service, sacrifice, and love.

Submitting to God’s Will

Decreasing also means submitting to God’s will above our own. Like the Corinthians who left behind their former sinful lives (1 Corinthians 6:9–11), we must be transformed by Christ. Our old life must decrease so that the new life in Him can increase.

This is not always easy. Pride resists. The flesh rebels. But God calls us to deny ourselves, take up the cross, and follow Him daily (Luke 9:23).

Increasing Christ in Our World

Finally, as Christ increases in our lives, so does our passion for the lost. Just as John prepared the way, we are called to proclaim the gospel to all people. The world desperately needs Jesus, and it is our mission to point others to Him (Matthew 28:19–20).

Like a salesman who sees opportunity where others see obstacles, we must look at the world and say, “Everyone needs the gospel.” Our role is not to decide who is worthy, but to faithfully share the good news with all.

Conclusion

John the Baptist’s humility should shape our own walk with Christ. He did not seek glory for himself, but joyfully stepped aside so that Christ could shine. That is our call as well: to decrease in pride, self, and sin, and to increase in Christ, service, and love.

When He increases, we will be transformed. When we decrease, others will see Jesus in us.