TODAY’S SIGNATURE VERSE ••• He must increase, but I must decrease. (John 3:30 ESV)
PRAISE & PRAYER PROMPT ••• I’ve never been an avid watcher of TedTalks, but I’ve watched quite a few. Without question, my favorite one is called “How to Start a Movement,” presented by Derek Sivers. In his presentation, he talks about the importance of followers and the particular role they play in making things happen. If you’ve never watched it, I encourage you to look it up. “How to Start a Movement” is an important reminder because despite all the leadership books out there and calls for us to demonstrate leadership—some of us have to be followers. For those who are Christians, we are all followers of Jesus. It’s the very definition of our title “Christian”—a follower of Christ.
Today, we’re going to talk about being a follower, and the role humility plays in that position. And we’re going to look at the life of John the Baptist.
Jesus said, “Truly, I say to you, among those born of women there has arisen no one greater than John the Baptist” (Matthew 11:11a). When the Son of God calls someone the greatest man ever born, we don’t think of a humble follower, do we?
But that’s who he was because John the Baptist didn’t take Jesus’ words out of context and let them go to his head. In a spirit of humility, he knew his place. While he was a public figure, he didn’t seek the spotlight for his glory. His role on the stage of life was to point out the One to whom the spotlight belongs. He was the one who would be the voice in the wilderness, preparing the way for Jesus (Isaiah 40:3; John 1:23). He was the best man for the bridegroom (John 3:29). He’s the one who said, “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30). He acknowledged his unworthiness before the Son of God, “I baptize with water, but among you stands one you do not know, even he who comes after me, the strap of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie” (John 1:26-27)
In his role, John the Baptist was instrumental in starting a movement. He recognized the authority of Jesus and recognized Him as the promised Messiah.
John the Baptist’s life serves as a reminder that we are called to be humble followers of Jesus. While I’m eternally grateful that doesn’t include a diet of locusts, we are called to recognize the authority of Jesus. We are called to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19). We are called to be a voice in the wilderness of our world and proclaim the name of Jesus even when others think we’re weird. (People thought John the Baptist was weird too. We’re in good company.)
And we’re called to let Jesus increase in our lives, while we decrease. “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30)—Those words are so powerful. Humility is etched all over them. They are words that take the focus away from the “me” and focus on the “He.”
When you call yourself a Christian, do you embrace the importance of your role to follow?
Let’s follow well.
Today, as you pray, thank Jesus for this powerful example of following through the life of John the Baptist. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you be a great and humble follower of Jesus. Ask Him to help you embrace John the Baptist’s words as your own, “He must increase, but I must decrease.”
SHARING ••• My Grace-Full Life is written by Denise Heidel. You are welcome to share anything I write, but please credit my writing and graphics accordingly. Visit www.MyGraceFullLife.com to read past blogs. Subscribe through my website to have My Grace-Full Life delivered to your email. You can unsubscribe at any time. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture references are from the ESV translation.
