He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less. John 3:30 (NLT)
This past year I’ve been on an odyssey in healthy eating and exercise and I’ve lost almost 100 pounds. When people see me, especially if they’ve known me only since I’ve been overweight, the reactions are hilarious. You’re wasting away to nothing! You look like a different person! And my personal favorite: My goodness, Gwen! There’s hardly anything left of you!
I was joking about this with one of my friends the other day and I told her how happy I was that I’ve decreased in size. Later, though, the whole scenario got me thinking about the above verse, which in another version says, He must increase, but I must decrease. (KJV)
As I’ve lowered my weight, it’s as if layers have practically peeled off. You can see the contours of my face a lot better now, my cheekbones and jawline, and you can also see the wrinkles on my forehead. I have basically no upper body strength, but where my arms were rather plump before, now you can see the outlines of muscles. Even my feet have gone down a size.
What does it mean to become less and less that He may become greater? I think it’s a similar process. As we peel off layers of self, more of Jesus is revealed. Anger melts into forgiveness. Weakness gives way to strength. Pride is replaced by meekness, and bitterness succumbs to peace. All we are lacking is swallowed up in love. What a huge compliment it would be in that sense for others to say, My goodness! There’s hardly anything left of you! All we can see is Jesus!
Faith Step: Pray and ask the Lord to show you what qualities need to decrease in your life that Jesus may increase in you.
