John the Baptist’s words provide the framework for one of the greatest prayers that we can – and need to – pray everyday:
He must become greater; I must become less. (John 3:30)
There is an ongoing battle that rages within each of us. Who will be first and greatest? Christ or Me? Our carnal and selfish nature wreaks havoc in our lives in so many ways. We focus on ourselves more than others, on ourselves more than God, on our plans more than His plans. It’s nothing new. The first humans struggled with this internal fight and we continue with it to this day. That’s why John’s prayer is so crucial.
May we pray every day:
“Lord, for today, will you be Lord over all? May You be greater and may I be less. May the evidence of this reality be seen in how I do relationships, run my finances, care for my family, communicate with others, handle stress, and deal with impatience. May Your will be done in and through my life. May the net result be seen and felt by those nearest and dearest to me…my family and close circle of friends. My greatest desire is to glorify You, Lord; not to elevate me. May You increase; may I decrease. ‘He must become greater; I must become less.’ Amen.”
Let’s pray it. Let’s live it.