He Must Increase
Making Jesus the Focal Point of Our Lives
In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it's easy to lose sight of who should truly be at the center of our thoughts, actions, and aspirations. As Christians, we are called to make Jesus the focal point of our lives. This is a profound and vital truth that not only shapes our faith but also directs how we live each day.
One of the most powerful examples of this is found in the life of John the Baptist. John had a significant following, and many people came to him, recognizing him as a prophet. However, John never sought the limelight for himself. Instead, he consistently pointed others to Jesus, understanding his role as the forerunner to the Messiah.
In John 3:30, John the Baptist humbly declared,
"He must increase, but I must decrease."
This statement captures the essence of what it means to make Jesus the focal point of our lives. John understood that his purpose was not to build a following for himself but to direct people to Christ. His ministry was centered on preparing the way for Jesus and then stepping aside so that Jesus could take center stage.
Avoiding the Pitfall of Self-Promotion
In our lives, it's easy to fall into the trap of seeking recognition, whether in our careers, social circles, or even within the church. We may unintentionally place ourselves or others on a pedestal, drawing attention away from where it truly belongs. This can happen in subtle ways—through our accomplishments, our leadership, or even our spiritual gifts.
However, the lesson we learn from John the Baptist is clear: God deserves the glory, not us.
Isaiah 42:8 reminds us of this truth, as God declares, "I am the Lord, that is My name; And My glory I will not give to another, Nor My praise to carved images" (NKJV).
When we seek to elevate ourselves or others, we risk taking the glory that belongs to God alone.
Making Jesus Central in All Things
Making Jesus the focal point means that in everything we do, we aim to reflect His character, obey His commands, and seek His will.
Colossians 3:17 instructs us, "And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him" (NKJV).
Whether in our work, our relationships, or our personal goals, Jesus and His authority, should be at the center.
This also means recognizing that any gifts, talents, or opportunities we have are given to us by God for the purpose of glorifying Him. As 1 Corinthians 10:31 says, "Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God" (NKJV).
Our lives should be a testament to God's grace, love, and power—not our own.
The Power of Humility
Humility is key to making Jesus the focal point. Just as John the Baptist willingly stepped aside, we too must be willing to decrease so that Jesus can increase in our lives.
Philippians 2:3-4 challenges us to "Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others" (NKJV).
By putting others before ourselves and seeking to honor God in all we do, we reflect the heart of Christ. Jesus Himself demonstrated the ultimate act of humility by coming to earth, living as a servant, and sacrificing His life on the cross for our sins. Philippians 2:5-8 urges us to adopt the same mindset, recognizing that true greatness comes from serving others and glorifying God.
Make Him the Focal Point
Making Jesus the focal point of our lives is not just a nice idea—it's a calling that requires intentionality, humility, and a deep commitment to follow His example. As we live out our faith, let us remember the words of John the Baptist and strive to decrease so that Christ may increase. In doing so, we ensure that our lives point others to the One who truly deserves all glory, honor, and praise.
By keeping Jesus at the center, we fulfill our purpose as His followers, shining His light in a world that desperately needs to see His love and truth.