He Must Increase, I Must Decrease
Living Your Life Purpose No Matter The Seasons
"He must increase, but I must decrease." – John 3:30
During my run today, I was reminded of something powerful that has been shaping my journey with God. As I glanced over at a license plate on the front of a Toyota Hybrid, it read: LESS US.
Now, I’m all for saving the earth, but in that moment, the phrase wasn’t about environmentalism. It immediately brought to mind John 3:30—where John the Baptist, in response to his disciples’ concerns about Jesus drawing larger crowds, said with complete humility:
"He must increase, but I must decrease."
What a statement. What a perspective.
The Key to Humility: Knowing God Creates Mission
John understood his mission. He knew his purpose. No matter how much influence he had, no matter how many people followed him, no matter the success or the trials—he remained grounded.
Of course, we later see that even John had moments of doubt. While in prison, he sent word to Jesus asking, "Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?" (Matthew 11:3).
That’s reality. Storms come. Life shakes us. Satan and his minions try to smother us with doubt. But how do we stay grounded? How do we remain unmoved in our mission? What is our purpose?
It’s simple: He must increase, and we must decrease.
Your Life Purpose
Jesus gave us a mission:
"Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you." – Matthew 28:19-20
You might be thinking, "James, I’m a new Christian—I can’t do that."
Yes, YOU can!
How?
Spend as much time as you can with Jesus. Give Him the glory. Ask Him to help you in the process. This isn’t about you—it’s about Him.
One of my biggest frustrations in the church today is when people hesitate to baptize others. I get it—stage fright, self-doubt, feeling unqualified. But if you intentionally spent more private and community time with the Father, seeking to glorify Him, you wouldn't hesitate.
Because it's not about you—it never was. Is that selfish? We work for a boss, a coach, a marriage, or a friendship, and if those relationships are flourishing, do we think it is selfish to make them look good? Of course not.
The difference between those relationships is that God is perfect. And only He can transform you and entends to (Phil. 1:6).
Never Finished Challenge
Here’s my challenge to you:
Wake up every morning and declare and ask for 30 days: "He must increase, and I must decrease."
Before you get out of bed, say this 50 times: "I trust You, I trust You, I trust You."
Over and over again.
Because the more He increases in your life, the more peace, purpose, and clarity you’ll have. And the less you’ll be shaken by the storms.
For your pocket: He must increase, I must decrease.
What does today say about God?
It is unfathomable to think that the Creator of the universe—the One who spoke galaxies into existence—desires to increase in my life. Even more unthinkable is, in the process of increasing in my life, He transforms me into the likeness of His perfect Son, Jesus.
And yet, I take one look at someone who frustrates me, someone who angers me, and my natural response? There’s no way on God’s green earth I would willingly give them my time, let alone my unconditional love.
But God?
He is not wishy-washy. He is not unstable in His emotions. He is perfect.
And in His perfection, He continually invites us in.
Goodness… Thank you, Jesus.