"So this joy of mine has been made complete. He must increase; I must decrease." - John 3: 29-30
John saw that his mission was drawing to an end just as Jesus' mission was beginning, and John found great joy in this. There is always joy when we receive confirmation of our own testimony, but John's joy was even greater. The Messiah had come at last! Now it was time for John to decrease while Jesus increased.
As Christ enters my life more and more completely, I find these words to be true for me as well. Flannery O'Connor wrote in her prayer journal that God was like a crescent moon shining in her life, and that she was the shadow that made up the rest of the moon. She felt fear that her shadow might grow to blot out the shining light of God. I saw the truth in this. My worldly concerns and attachments can get in the way of the light in my life. These parts of me that are invested in the world must decrease while I give more and more of myself to Christ, and there is great joy in this, not only my joy, but God's joy as well.
What in my life must decrease so that Christ may increase? How may I cooperate with God to bring more light and joy into my life?
Reflected by Sharon Sullivan
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