Diminishing Returns

The more we are diminished, the more He returns.

John 3:22-30

"Jesus and His disciples went to the Judean countryside, where He spent time with them and baptized. John also was baptizing in Aenon near Salim, because there was plenty of water there. People were coming and being baptized, since John had not yet been thrown into prison.

Then a dispute arose between John’s disciples and a Jew about purification. So they came to John and told him, 'Rabbi, the One you testified about, and who was with you across the Jordan, is baptizing and everyone is flocking to Him.'

John responded, 'No one can receive a single thing unless it’s given to him from heaven. You yourselves can testify that I said, "I am not the Messiah, but I’ve been sent ahead of Him." He who has the bride is the groom. But the groom’s friend, who stands by and listens for him, rejoices greatly at the groom’s voice. So this joy of mine is complete. He must increase, but I must decrease.'"

God seems to use our setbacks and handicaps more than our perceived gifts. Whatever is humble in our mind is exalted in God's eyes. If John was a pastor today his congregation would be shrinking, but his reputation among the angels would be increasing. God would be increasing his eternal dividends.

The creator of heaven and earth takes delight in using the weak things to confound the wise. He even uses the weak things in my life to confound me. As a result, He gets the credit and every time that happens its like hitting the forward button.