In John 3 we read that John’s disciples came to him and told him that Jesus and His disciples were baptizing and they were not only baptizing they were attracting all the people. John’s disciples spend quite a while with the Baptist and now there was somebody who was stealing their show and who was even doing a better job than they did. All the people were coming to Jesus and not to John the Baptist. They were jealous.
John reminded them that he’s not from heaven and that he’s not the Christ. I think every Christian wouldn’t hesitate to say „I am not the Christ“. That’s easy to say and to admit, because we all know that there is only one Christ. I also think that every Christian would say „Christ must increase“. We all want Christ to increase. But how easy is it for us to say „Christ must increase, but I must decrease“?
Do we want to be known as a performer in the name of Jesus or do we want to be known as a preparer for Jesus? Are we really okay with only being the friend of the bridegroom or do we want to be the bridegroom? Do we want to be the center of attention or do we want Christ to be the center of attention? Would it be fine for you if Christ gets all the attention and you get nothing? Do we rejoice greatly when people hear about Jesus like John did?
What if nobody ever would remember your name but everybody would remember you as somebody who was like Jesus? Would it be okay for you if people think about Jesus when they get to know you or do you want them to think about you? Do we actually want to be gold in the eyes of God or do we only want to shine in the eyes of people? John’s disciples wanted to shine. John wanted Jesus to shine. Let us be a light in the darkness and let Jesus shine through each one of us.