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“He Must Increase, But I Must Decrease”
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Christ’s Example of Avoiding Misunderstanding
Jesus knew that the storm was building that would sweep away
one of the greatest prophets ever given to the world. Wanting to
avoid all occasion for conflict, He quietly left for Galilee. We also,
while remaining loyal to the truth, should try to avoid everything that
may lead to misunderstanding. Whenever circumstances threaten to
cause division, we should follow the example of Jesus and of John
the Baptist.
God had called John to lead out as a reformer. But his work was
not sufficient to lay the foundation of the Christian church. Another
work had to be done, which his testimony could not accomplish. His
disciples did not understand this. When they saw Christ coming in
to take the work, they were jealous.
The same dangers still exist. God calls someone to do a certain
work, and when he has carried it as far as he is qualified, the Lord
brings in others to carry it further. But many feel that the success
of the work depends on the first laborer. Jealousy comes in, and
the work of God is marred. The one wrongly honored is tempted to
cherish self-confidence. The people rely on the human instrument
for guidance and are led away from God.
Happy are those who are willing for self to be humbled, who can
say with John the Baptist, “He must increase, but I must decrease.”
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