He must increase, but I must decrease. John 3:30

This is a statement by John the baptist, of Jesus Christ.

Not that we can undermine the forerunner's works at any rate. He was the voice that called out in the wilderness preparing the way of the Lord. He lived a very basic life, and spent all his time and energy calling out the people to repentance. Jesus Himself testified of John that "among those born of women there is no one greater than John". 

John had many opportunities to take pride in his ministry. He was quite popular. Many indeed heeded to his voice, repented and submitted to the baptism. Many even asked him if he were the Christ. Gracefully he kept denying that he was only the "voice" and not Christ.

He even humbled himself so low, saying: After me comes the one more powerful than I, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. Mark 1:7

I am sure John was eager to see Jesus Himself. After all he was the baby in Elizabeth's womb that leaped with joy when Mary (conceived with Jesus) visited her.

So finally when Jesus Himself appeared publicly to be water baptized by John, he took the opportunity to focus the lime light on Jesus. He was filled with a sense of joy and accomplishment that his purpose in life has been completed. That the Bridegroom has arrived! And work of him as a friend of the Bridegroom is now over.

That's how our lives should be. Let's not be quick to take pride in our ministries but be graceful and humble to always point people's to our Lord Savior, who is the only hero of our story.

When we do that, we will not be focused on the feedback from people but be humble that God used even us to minister. Praise the Lord.

Let's therefore make it our statement too that He must increase, and we must decrease...