He Must Increase

January 5, 2025
Day 1 – He Must Increase

Scripture:

“He must increase, but I must decrease.”
John 3:30 (ESV)

For most of our lives, we’ve been told that growth means more:
more success, more recognition, more influence, more achievement.
Even in the church, we often hear that the goal is to become “more like Jesus.” That sounds inspiring, and it is, but living it out is far more challenging than saying it.
John the Baptist gives us a different picture.
In John 3, some of John’s disciples were concerned. Jesus was gaining popularity. More people were following Him. John’s ministry, his influence, his visibility, was shrinking. From a worldly perspective, this looked like failure.

But John didn’t panic.
He didn’t compete.
He didn’t cling to relevance.
Instead, he said words that still confront us today:
“He must increase, but I must decrease.”

John understood something crucial: his life was never about building his platform. He was sent to prepare the way. To point people to Jesus. To step back when Jesus stepped forward.

That mindset goes against everything our culture teaches us. We’re told to look out for ourselves, to be number one, to protect our image and manage our outcomes. But John shows us a better way, a freer way.

When Jesus becomes the focus of our lives, something beautiful happens:

• We can celebrate others without needing the credit.
• We can serve without being seen.
• We can release control without fear.
• We can be corrected without collapsing.
• We don’t need constant recognition to feel secure.

Why?
Because our identity isn’t built on performance, it’s rooted in relationship.
When we rest in who we are as children of God, we discover this truth:
Jesus really is enough.

That’s what this season of prayer and fasting is about.
Over the next 21 days, we’re not trying to prove anything.
We’re not trying to earn God’s favor. We’re creating space for Jesus to increase in our lives, our hearts, our habits, our priorities, so that everything else finds its proper place.

The goal is simple:
He must increase. And as He does, we become more like Him.

Reflection

• Where in your life have you felt pressure to perform, compete, or prove yourself?
• What would it look like to let Jesus take center stage in that area?

Prayer
Jesus, today I choose to release control and comparison.
Increase in my thoughts, my decisions, and my desires.
Help me rest in my identity as Your child and trust that You are enough.
As I decrease, may Your life be seen more clearly in me.
Amen.