Decreasing

This week, I find myself in the mountains of New Mexico for youth camp. More specifically, for a youth camp called Camp Doulos. Doulos is a Greek word which means servant, or slave. (That, by the way, is about the extent of my Greek knowledge......even after two years of it in college!) The idea of being a slave/servant is not a real popular one in today's culture. In fact, most people are very repulsed by the idea of being a slave or servant - after all, part of the American Dream is to be able to be your own master, right?

The theme Bible verse for the week is John 3:30, "He must increase, I must decrease." This quote comes from John the Baptist when some people are asking Him why Jesus is suddenly baptizing more people than John is. It's almost like they're saying, "Jesus is stealing your thunder. You need to do something!" John, of course, knew better. Earlier, he said that we was not even worthy to tie Jesus' sandals.

Who could blame John if he got a little jealous? After all, he had a pretty successful ministry going. Sure he was a little quirky - with all the eating locusts and what not - but he was an effectice communicator and people were repenting and turning to God left and right.

Then, when Jesus shows up, John fades into the background. "He must increase, I must decrease." People didn't understand that. We still don't. And yet, that's exactly what Christ has called us to do. Paul says it this way, "I am crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me." I think the truth is that Christ cannot increase in my life until I allow myself to decrease.....He will not force Himself in.

So, I'm working on decreasing. It's not easy; it's certainly not always fun. But, I know that Christ knows how to live my life better than I do. I must allow my own desires to die; that is the only way I can truly live.