Christ must increase, but I must decrease
Christ must increase, but I must decrease.
~ John 3:30
Christ must increase – his authority and influence among the people must grow. His teachings and vision must extend throughout all the earth.
I must decrease – The purpose of my ministry is to point men to Christ. When that is done my work is accomplished. I came not to form a party nor to set up a religion of my own. My ministry ceases when Christ’s is fully established. The light of the morning star fades at the wake of the rising sun. John’s words evinced his humility and willingness to be esteemed as nothing if he could honor Christ. It shows us, also, that it is sufficient honor for man if he may be permitted to point sinners to the Lord Jesus Christ. No work is so honorable and joyful as the ministry of the gospel; none is so highly honored as those who are permitted to stand near the Son of God and lead perishing men to his cross.
Text and image by Thomas Tham
