Read: John 3:22-36
He must increase, but I must decrease. (John 3:30 ESV)
John the Baptizer had already explained numerous times over that he was not the messiah. He had been baptizing people in droves when someone pointed out to him that Jesus had also begun to baptize people nearby. John was not jealous. He was ecstatic. The final fruit of his ministry was drawing near. Jesus was taking the forefront even as John was diminishing. Jesus was increasing in fame, following, and favor as John was decreasing.
John had the right of it. Even aside from his part in God's redemption story for mankind he knew that in order for his life to achieve its full potential he must decrease as Christ increased. The same thing is true for us today.
If you and I are to find fullness in Christ we must relinquish control of our lives. We must take the humbly reverent approach that looks first to Jesus for answers. This brings a unique sense of joy to life as we learn to lean on God. Over time we replace our selfish wants with selfless wants. We reject arrogance for humility, and insecurity for steadfastness. We decrease. Jesus increases.