Let’s face it. When it comes to church, we often feel validated by how well our services are attended. If attendance is increasing, we must be doing something right.
Conversely, if attendance is dwindling, we must be doing something wrong.
However, neither attitude is correct. Often, doing the right thing means fewer people are willing to walk with you, which means attendance will be lower.
Jesus saw this in John 6, when He told the multitudes that He would not be feeding them miraculously every day, and that they must fully trust in Him to enter the Kingdom. Scripture says the multitude departed and would not walk with him anymore.
John the Baptist saw this in John 3, when Jesus launched His earthly ministry, and people began following Jesus rather than John.
The idea of being validated by attendance, and by how many people walked with you is not new. The Pharisees often validated themselves and respected each other based on how many disciples each one had.
So, when the Pharisees observed John’s following dissipating while the Lord’s following skyrocketed, they asked him about it. John’s response?
“He must increase, but I must decrease.”
John’s confession was not one of resignation or defeat, but rather of victory.
The entire ministry of John the Baptist centered on the idea of preparing the people to meet Christ. Once Christ arrived, it only made sense for the people to follow the Lord instead of the prophet that heralded the Lord.
So, when John said, “He must increase, but I must decrease,” in essence, he was saying, “mission accomplished.” He then compared his feelings to that of a best man at a wedding, who rejoiced to see the groom with his bride.
One major struggle of the Christian life is the ongoing battle with the temptation to make everything about us. We want the Lord to validate us in this life, to show us victory in this life, and to bless our dreams and ambitions in this life.
In reality, this life is about glorifying the Lord and leading people to salvation. In order to do that, we have to make our lives about the Lord, not about ourselves. The struggle is that this goes against the natural impulses of the flesh, which seeks to glorify itself.
If you live in the South Plains of Texas, join us Sunday morning at First Baptist Church in Hermleigh, TX, as we explore this concept further, in a message I’ve entitled, “The Shrinking Baptist.” Sunday worship is at 10:50 a.m., with Sunday School beforehand at 10 a.m.
If you are not located near Hermleigh, the message will be posted on this blog the following day. May God continue to bless you as you look to Him.
Leland Acker 