"He must increase, but I must decrease." John 3:30 (ESV)
As we seek to make Jesus known, it’s easy for pride to rear its ugly head in our human endeavors. Naturally, we value our hard work and want to feel good about our success. But is it truly ours? As Christians, how do we navigate the distinction of taking pride in our ministry and work without being prideful?
As a firstborn with a Type-A personality, I can relate. Perhaps, like me, you also pride yourself in accomplishing quality work with dependability. It is natural to want success, and admirable traits should undoubtedly be found in all of us when entrusted with a task—including areas of ministry and serving. After all, we don't set goals for failure. However, when we do our jobs well, we are often recognized, sometimes yielding a struggle with humility.
Pride tempts us to take all the credit, but the Bible wisely instructs us not to wear the feedback. John 3:30 tells us Jesus must increase, and we must decrease. John the Apostle records this beautiful instruction and example of John the Baptist. From this account, we can glean three ways to avoid destructive pride as we serve the Lord in our work and service areas.
A discussion arose between some of the disciples of John the Baptist regarding Jesus. They noticed many people were going to Jesus for baptism and becoming his followers instead. After bringing it to John’s attention, his response reset the needed perspective and continues to direct our hearts today. John answered them, "A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given him from heaven. You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, 'I am not the Christ, but I have been sent before him.' The one who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom's voice. Therefore this joy of mine is now complete. He must increase, but I must decrease." (John 3:27-30).
Can we "pride ourselves" or "take pride" in doing good, quality work? The answer is "yes" in so much as it reflects and glorifies God. The Bible teaches us to have a good work ethic, reminding us in Colossians 3:23-24 that we are "working for the Lord" rather than just for man.
The above account of John the Baptist lays valuable groundwork for us to work and serve with humility. John reminds us to:
1. Give God the glory. We see this as John enjoys being the friend celebrating the bridegroom rather than rivaling the purpose and attention Jesus solely deserves. It is nice to say thank you when someone compliments our work. By remaining thankful to God, we can appreciate our work without indulging in destructive pride. John 3:27 reminds us that a person cannot receive even one thing unless given from heaven. Our talents and abilities are from God, and anything admirable we might do is only His work in and through us, never our own.
2. Recognize the beauty of our daily roles. Every follower of Christ has the calling to make Him known and bear witness that Jesus is our Lord and Savior. From the most extraordinary roles to the most mundane, we can praise God and tell of Him through our attitudes and actions.
3. Find our joy in Jesus. As John the Baptist "rejoices greatly at the bridegroom's voice," he adds, "Therefore this joy of mine is now complete" (John 3:29). May this be true of us as well. Joy from positive feedback or results from the product of our work is fleeting and only surface-level. We find true satisfaction and contentment in Jesus Christ alone.
John the Baptist knew his role was that of a friend rejoicing with a bridegroom. This beautiful illustration also identifies Jesus as the true bridegroom sent to save, redeem, and receive His bride, the body of believers. One day, the Father will tell the Son to go and get His bride. What a glorious day that will be when Jesus returns to earth!
From the beginning, John the Baptist knew his calling. When asked, he said, "I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, 'Make straight the way of the Lord,' as the prophet Isaiah said" (John 1:23). John found his genuine joy in the ultimate role of serving Jesus in the lives of others. We, too, are called to make Jesus known. Sadly, today, as we live in a culture set on gaining attention and followers, maintaining humility is even more challenging. It goes against the grain of society to "decrease" self, but we will experience unmatched joy when we choose to increase Jesus instead.
Father God, thank you for your love and mercy. You are ever patient with my human heart. Forgive me for being prideful, and reveal areas of my heart that need repenting. Help me point to YOU instead of indulging in destructive pride. My flesh struggles because, admittedly, I enjoy recognition and success. God, remind me to give you all the glory. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
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Megan Evans is a military wife, and a mother to three wonderful teenagers. She and her family live in Tennessee where she serves as the women’s ministry director at her church. An author and blogger with a heart for discipleship; she writes, speaks, and teaches women about enjoying God in each busy day. Check out her new book, “Permission to Walk: A 40-Day Journey to Unhurried Peace” and learn the daily pace of life that Jesus taught as we daily navigate this distracted and fast-paced world. You can connect with Megan at www.unhurrymyheart.com, www.instagram.com/megan.m_
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