More or Less - A simple approach to better relationships
The greatest dude ever!
Matthew 11:11 NLT
“I tell you the truth, of all who have ever lived, none is greater than John the Baptist. Yet even the least person in the Kingdom of Heaven is greater than he is!
More Jesus, Less Me
John 3:22-36 NLT
Then Jesus and his disciples left Jerusalem and went into the Judean countryside. Jesus spent some time with them there, baptizing people. At this time John the Baptist was baptizing at Aenon, near Salim, because there was plenty of water there; and people kept coming to him for baptism. (This was before John was thrown into prison.) A debate broke out between John’s disciples and a certain Jew over ceremonial cleansing. So John’s disciples came to him and said, “Rabbi, the man you met on the other side of the Jordan River, the one you identified as the Messiah, is also baptizing people. And everybody is going to him instead of coming to us.” John replied, “No one can receive anything unless God gives it from heaven. You yourselves know how plainly I told you, ‘I am not the Messiah. I am only here to prepare the way for him.’ It is the bridegroom who marries the bride, and the best man is simply glad to stand with him and hear his vows. Therefore, I am filled with joy at his success. He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less. “He has come from above and is greater than anyone else. We are of the earth, and we speak of earthly things, but he has come from heaven and is greater than anyone else. He testifies about what he has seen and heard, but how few believe what he tells them! Anyone who accepts his testimony can affirm that God is true. For he is sent by God. He speaks God’s words, for God gives him the Spirit without limit. The Father loves his Son and has put everything into his hands. And anyone who believes in God’s Son has eternal life. Anyone who doesn’t obey the Son will never experience eternal life but remains under God’s angry judgment.”
But what about me?
If there is less of me... there is less comparison If there is less of me... there is less focus on earthly things If there is more of me... there will never be enough
If Jesus increases, then what?
If there is more of Jesus... there is more joy - you become a source of happiness, not Debbie Downer If there is more of Jesus... there is more truth - you're not deceived by the things that don't bring life If there is more of Jesus... there is more life! - instead of draining others, they are drawn to you
... so that everyone might have life
John 1:1-9 NLT
In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He existed in the beginning with God. God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it. God sent a man, John the Baptist, to tell about the light so that everyone might believe because of his testimony. John himself was not the light; he was simply a witness to tell about the light. The one who is the true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.
How do I decrease?
Rearrange your priorities Refocus on where your life is going Reevaluate who you are becoming Be Reborn!
Become a 51% person...
especially in your relationships. Everyone gives and takes in all of their relationships and in all of the environments they are in such as family, work, teams, classes, etc. Commit to give more than you take, at least 51% - 49%. Start there.
Tell & Ask
Tell God what you need to change and ask for His help. We'd like to join you in that prayer...