Decrease Yourself!

 

 Jn 3:30 “He [Christ] must increase, but I [my selfishness] must decrease.”  Humility is basic to pleasing God and a victorious Christian life.  The overzealous John the Baptist, was a perfect example of godly submission but his zeal caused his early death.  If he had kept his mouth shut about King Herod being married to his brothers Philip’s wife, John would have lived much longer, since Queen Herodias tricked the King into cutting John’s head off.  [Mk.6:16-28]  The Lord Jesus preached in the same area to the same people and never mentioned whom the King married.  We have to be lead of the Holy Spirit, and to learn to mind our own business, or control our selves, if we want to live a longer live.  [Jas.4:7] 

Few people understand that the, “SELF,” can achieve nothing alone.  Jesus said so.  [Jn.5:30]  Our self, selects our personal goals.  It is the root of our character and values so it is extremely important.  But the mind needs the spirit and body to bring to pass its godly objectives.  Our thoughts are vital to a long satisfying life but also limited if we do not cooperate with them or act them out.  Everyone wants to go to heaven but most don’t believe or obey God.  People want to be slender and healthy but they constantly over eat food that is not good for them or practice other bad sick producing habits, such as illegal drugs, excessive alcohol, or bad companions,  so they look terrible and die early. God spends years dealing with our circumstances to teach us to willingly improve our attitudes, words and service.  [Deu.8:1, 2]

 Some never grow in graceful thoughts about their view points of their situations or circumstances, and suffer much for their narrow small understanding in all areas of their lives.  [Pro.22:4]

The Apostle Paul taught us to live by trusting and following Christ within us.  [Gal.2:20]  We have to slow down and are still to do this.  [Ps.46:10; 1 Thess.5:18]  Today we give up to the Lord Jesus and keep our mouths shut!  Just do it!

Pastor PL Pearson