The Shift - Christ Must Increase

Good Morning, My Ekklesia Family

John 3:22–36 (NLT)“He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less.” –

The Direction of True Greatness

In our world, we are constantly told to aim “up” — to climb higher, to level up, to rise above the rest. "Up" is the language of ambition: upscale, upstanding, up-and-coming. Meanwhile, "down" gets a bad reputation — downhearted, downfall, down-and-out.

But John the Baptist flips our understanding of success upside down. In John 3:30, he declares, “Jesus must increase, but I must decrease.” That is The Shift — moving away from self-promotion toward Christ-exaltation. It’s the intentional choice to descend into greatness by lifting Christ higher in every part of our lives.

The Shift in Perspective

The world says, “The higher you go, the greater you are.”The Kingdom says, “The lower you bow, the higher Christ is lifted.”

John wasn’t threatened by Jesus’ growing influence. He understood his purpose — to point people to Christ, not himself. True greatness isn’t in how high we stand but in how low we bow so that Christ is seen in us.

Life-Changing Applications

1. Shift from Self to Savior Every victory, blessing, and open door is an opportunity to point back to Jesus. Don’t take the spotlight — redirect it.

2. Shift from Pride to Purpose Pride says, “Look what I did.” Purpose says, “Look what God did through me.” This posture keeps your heart safe from ego’s trap.

3. Shift from Comfort to Calling When Christ increases in you, life won’t get easier — but it will get richer. Temptations may grow, opposition may rise, yet your joy will deepen as you walk in obedience.

4. Shift from Striving to Surrender When you let Jesus be greater, you don’t have to exhaust yourself trying to prove your worth. You rest in His grace.

Prayer of Surrender and Encouragement

Abba Father, We surrender our need to be seen, applauded, and elevated. Forgive us for moments when we have sought our own glory instead of Yours. Lord Jesus, increase in us — in our thoughts, our words, our decisions, and our desires. Teach us to live with humility, to shine light on You in every success, and to trust You in every challenge. Holy Spirit, keep us steady when trials come, and fill us with joy, love, peace, and grace that overflows to others. We choose The Shift — less of us, more of You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Invitation to Christian Discipleship

Friend, this life-changing shift begins when you give your heart to Jesus. He’s not asking you to climb higher — He’s inviting you to come lower, to kneel before Him and find true greatness in His presence. If you have never made the decision to follow Christ, or if you’ve drifted away, today is the perfect day to start again.

Pray this simple prayer: “Lord Jesus, I believe You died for my sins and rose again so I could have new life. I surrender my life to You. Increase in me. Make me who You’ve called me to be. Amen.”

LoveUmorethanUknow

Stephan Kirby, Pastor, Ekklesia