John 2-4 

Freedom to Receive and Give

“…A man can receive only what is given him from heaven…He must become greater; I must become less.”

John 3:27, 30

There is great freedom in only receiving what God gives, the assignments that he gives, rather than those for which we volunteer or are persuaded to accept. John the Baptist knew who he was and what he was called to do. This inner strength challenged a nation to repent. A volunteer could never accomplish that. With equal grace and freedom, John withdrew from the attention of the crowds as Christ became greater, and John became less.

Is it any different with us?

We too must decrease if Christ is to increase, both in our lives as we die to self and the self-life, and in the ministries and assignments to which God calls us.

“Lord Jesus, may you increase in my life and witness. Thank you for all that you have given to me. I give it back to you with gratitude.”