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In a world that constantly urges us to strive for more, to increase our influence, and to elevate our status, there's a profound spiritual truth that challenges this conventional wisdom: to truly find our highest selves, we must decrease.

This counterintuitive principle finds its roots in the words of John the Baptist, who said of Jesus, "He must increase, but I must decrease" (John 3:30). But what does this mean for us today, and how can embracing this concept transform our lives?

The Path of Surrender

Our journey begins with a powerful example of surrender: Mary, the mother of Jesus. When visited by the angel Gabriel with news that would upend her life, Mary's response was one of complete submission: "I am the Lord's servant. May your word to me be fulfilled" (Luke 1:38). This wasn't just a passive acceptance; it was an active embracing of God's will over her own plans and desires.

Mary's "yes" came at a great cost. It meant facing societal judgment, potential rejection from Joseph, and a complete rewriting of her life's script. Yet, in her decrease—her willingness to set aside her own aspirations and reputation—she made room for the greatest increase imaginable: the incarnation of God Himself.

Contrast this with Zechariah's response to a similar angelic visitation. Where Mary asked for understanding, Zechariah questioned in doubt. His struggle to decrease his own understanding and expectations led to a temporary loss of speech—a powerful reminder that our resistance to God's will can silence our spiritual voice.

The Deception of Self

Many of us grow up in religious environments, going through the motions of faith without experiencing true transformation. We might invite Jesus into our lives without making Him the King of our lives. This subtle distinction makes all the difference. God's plan isn't just for us to know about Him, but for Him to shine through us—daily, consistently, in every aspect of our lives.

But how do we get there? It starts with recognizing the deception of self. Our earthly nature constantly draws us towards reactions and feelings that elevate our ego: rejection, anger, resentment, hurt. We hold onto these emotions as if they're our rights, forgetting that in Christ, we're called to a new nature.

The apostle Paul captures this beautifully: "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me" (Galatians 2:20). There's an exchange that happens at the core of our being—His life for ours, our life for His. But this exchange requires our active participation, our willingness to decrease so that Christ might increase.

The Highest Version of You

Here's a revolutionary thought: the highest version of you is directly related to how much of yourself you've surrendered to God. It's not about achieving more or becoming "better" in worldly terms. It's about allowing more of Christ to shine through you.

This process of decrease isn't easy. It means letting go of the buttons that others can push, releasing our right to be offended, and surrendering our need for control. It's a daily choice to "walk by the Spirit" (Galatians 5:25), allowing our conduct to be empowered by the Holy Spirit rather than our own desires and impulses.

As we decrease, something miraculous happens: we begin to shine. "Those who are wise will shine brightly like the brightness of the expanse of heaven, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever" (Daniel 12:3, AMP). We become living testimonies, walking gospels that reflect the light of Christ to a world in darkness.

Overcoming Doubt and Fear

One of the biggest obstacles to decreasing ourselves is doubt. We struggle to trust that God's way is better than our own. We try to control outcomes, forgetting that we're created in His image and that He hasn't forgotten us. This doubt often manifests as fear—fear of man, fear of failure, fear of the unknown.

But here's the truth: God's purpose for your life is bigger than you. When we seek first His kingdom, when we prioritize His increase over our own, we step into a life that's no longer limited by our earthly walk but is instead defined by eternal rewards.

Living, Moving, and Being in Him

The apostle Paul reminds us that "in him we live and move and have our being" (Acts 17:28). This isn't just poetic language; it's a practical reality for those who choose to decrease. In Him, we don't just cope with life; we thrive. In Him, our motivations and attitudes are transformed. In Him, we exchange our limited life for His abundant one.

Mary never questioned God's plan for her life. She trusted His plan over her own, believing and saying yes even when the path ahead was uncertain. Are we willing to do the same? Are we ready to fully surrender every area of our lives to Jesus?

The Challenge

As we reflect on this paradoxical truth—that our decrease leads to our truest increase—let's challenge ourselves:

1. What's really holding you back from decreasing? Is it fear? Lack of trust?
2. How can you actively choose to let go of earthly distractions that keep you from Kingdom encounters?
3. In what areas of your life do you need to say, "He must increase, but I must decrease"?

Remember, Jesus doesn't require us to be ready; He only asks that we be willing. The highest version of your life awaits—not in striving for more, but in surrendering to the One who is more than enough. As you decrease, may you find that Christ increases, revealing in you a life more beautiful and impactful than you ever imagined possible.