John was a great man. He lived a life dedicated to God and did not fear telling others to repent (Matt. 3:1-12). His name and fame was widespread, so much so that “all the land of Judea, and all those from Jerusalem, went out to him (Mk. 1:5).

Yet, as popular as he was, John knew his place. In relation to Christ he said, “He must increase, but I must decrease” (Jn. 3:30). John meant that his ministry and influence was coming to an end. He merely paved the way for the Lord.

That is really all any of us do.

In our lives, Christ must increase while we decrease. We need to become more like Him, striving for that “perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ” and “grow up in all things into Him who is the head” (Eph. 4:13, 15).

Likewise, as the Lord increases in our lives, as our character becomes more like Him, others will see Him in us. Our duty is to point men to Him in word and deed. The more we are like Him, the more effective we will be in bringing men to Him.