Oil on canvas
2010
When John the Baptist said to his disciples, “He must become greater; I must become less,” the men were nestled in jealousy over Jesus baptizing more people than John was. To them, John was losing followers and popularity, and this upset them. However, John reminds them that his work in baptizing was to point people to the Christ—not to himself. Less of Me is about become small before God in order that His presence can consume an individual, that recognition for deeds done is not necessary. It is about the rejection of being puffed up with pride; having a heart full of passion, rather than envy. It is about intentionally silencing the voice that says, “Look what I did, I deserve this. Look at all the hard work I put into this.”
As I worked in ministry vocationally, this was something I constantly had to remind myself—especially when friends of mine in other ministries appeared to be far more successful than my own. Life is not about how much work I’ve done, or gaining a title, as much as it is about humbly coming into what God is already doing. He must become greater, I must become less.
