ARE YOU PREVENTING THE LORD FROM GROWING IN YOUR LIFE?

SCRIPTURE:
He must increase, but I must decrease.  
(John 3:30)

MEDITATION:
Whenever a person gives their life to the Lord, 
an amazing transition takes place.
The things of the world lose importance; 
the things of God increase in importance.

As this transformation continues, 
we begin to develop the characteristics of Jesus.
We learn to have concern and love others in a new way.
John understood this and communicated it to others.
John knew that in order for God to increase, he must decrease.

He knew that he had to start thinking more highly of the Lord 
than he did of himself.
As a result, ego would be replaced with humility, hate would be replaced 
with love, anger would be replaced with peace and patience, cold-heartedness
would be replaced with kindness, sinfulness would be replaced with goodness,
untruthfulness would be replaced with faithfulness, rashness and rudeness 
would be replaced with self-control. 

Self-centeredness is the basic cause of much of our distress in life. 
Hypochondria, a mental disorder which is accompanied by melancholy 
and depression, is often caused by self-pity and self-centeredness. 
A person of drama 
is often one who is self-centered (thinking only of themselves).

Some fail to worship as Jesus did, 
because their will has not decreased so that His Will can increase.
Many of us suffer from spiritual nearsightedness. 
Our interests, our loves, and our energies 
are too often focused on ourselves. 

Jesus underscored the fact 
that His disciples were to live selflessly rather than selfishly. 
Many want to follow the Lord, 
but are unwilling to give up their selfishness.
When we refuse to make ourselves less, 
then the Lord cannot become greater in our lives.

Jesus gave of Himself and He expects His followers to do the same.
He is part of the Trinity, 
and yet He was willing to put others ahead of Himself.
He even went to the cross, not for Himself, but for all the people He loves.

We can see that Paul understood the concept putting others first
when he wrote to the Philippians.
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility 
value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each 
of you to the interests of the others. (Philippians 2:3-4)

ACTION:
Where are you transforming as a follower of Jesus Christ?
Are you still clinging to some things that you have not surrendered to Him?
How is your humility development progressing?
Has Jesus increased, stayed the same, or decreased in your life?

Pray,
“Heavenly Father, thank You for being the awesome loving God of the 
universe. Thank You for Your promise of salvation for me when I believe in, 
and follow Your Son, Jesus. I pray that you would teach me to open my heart 
so completely to You that there will be no room for self.  Cleanse me, Lord,
of all selfish thoughts and deeds and help me to develop the characteristics
of Jesus, so that I will not become a stagnant believer with a stunted 
transformation.”