Decreasing and Growing

Filled with the Holy Spirit, John the Baptist was a man who demonstrated humility.  He was a man who had understanding of God's calling and purpose in his life, one crying in the wilderness to prepare the way of the LORD Jesus Christ.  His sanctified life in the fear of God led people to follow him, and he was faithful to lead his disciples to follow Jesus.  John embraced turnover in his ministry, for as he said to his disciples who were concerned about the notoriety, attention and followers Jesus had that seemed to detract from John's efforts:  "He must increase, but I must decrease." (John 3:30)  John knew his ministry was to point people to Jesus so they might follow him instead, and he was content to continue baptising people to proclaim Jesus as the One who baptises with the Holy Spirit and fire.

As a parent, it is good to know our children are gifts from God we are called to love, provide for, guide in godliness by example and faithfully discipline.  When we have fulfilled our role as parents, knowing our children are on loan because they are really God's, we are able to better embrace the changing seasons when kids grow into adults and have their own families.  A bow is meant to shoot arrows, and children are not to be permanently attached to their parent's string.  They must go out from us in due time, and we can delight in the new seasons God brings of marriage, grandchildren and friendship--even when we are parted over a long distance or space of time.  Since our rejoicing is in the LORD who gives all good things, we can be glad in future seasons God has in store for us.  They will be different than when our kids were little but are beautiful in their own way, enriched by time with the LORD and one another.

Growing pains are not just for the young but are also experienced as we grow older and face changes and challenges from advancing seasons of life, work and ministry.  A time comes when we cannot physically do what we used to enjoy doing in the past.  It can be hard for people who are used to doing everything to need to rely on others for help.  It is easy to lose a sense of purpose when we cannot contribute in ways we have in the past.  Just recently I decided that when the day came people no longer wanted me as speaker at a youth camp I would embrace it--despite feelings of rejection that come with being overlooked, to be a last resort rather than first preference.  Like I have outgrown suits, sometimes we do not fit into a role we still feel comfortable in.  By God's grace we can embrace roles we find very uncomfortable, strengthened and encouraged that the LORD has set before us an open door.  These opportunities, even when they aren't our idea or preference, are wonderful reminders God has more for us to do.  This exercise of faith to honour Jesus over ourselves brings spiritual growth.

I was reminded during study of the words Jesus spoke to the church in Philadelphia, that He had set before them an open door none could shut.  The God of patience and comfort is the God who sets before us an open door, and we enter that door by faith in Him who is the Door.  Sometimes we do not recognise or even perceive the open door because of hindrances that can distract us from God's goodness and sovereignty.  A severe illness or our advancing age may close doors to us, but know as long as we live Jesus has set before us an open door.  Even on a sickbed we are not without ability to serve the LORD in meaningful ways by praying and praising Him for His goodness.  Strip away from me the roles as pastor, camp speaker, husband and dad, and the LORD remains as worthy of worship and thanksgiving as ever.  In heaven I will be none of those things, and yet God is pleased to welcome me into His presence as His son right now.  In a world that makes increase an idol, let us be those who are joyfully willing to decrease so Jesus Christ may increase.  Whenever we notice a decrease in our ability, know and praise the LORD in our weakness God's strength is made perfect and thus He can increase--despite our lack of production.