Decreasing can be seen in a few practical ways. When considering the idea of practicality, we are simply speaking of ways to apply the teachings of Christ to our lives. Secondarily, when considering the idea of decreasing, we want to look at it from the perspective of humility and submission. There are beautiful ways given to us in scripture concerning the application of God’s word regarding decreasing. Let us ponder a few today and add them to our lives.

Last week we considered the life of John the Immerser and his relationship with Jesus Christ. We took notice of John’s position with Christ as he said, “He must increase, but I must decrease” (Jn. 3.30). John stood by as a friend, hearing Him and rejoicing in what he heard from the Lord (Jn. 3.29). We made application from those ideas and took great comfort in knowing we can stand with Jesus as well. What a blessing for us to befriend the Lord through keeping His commands (Jn. 15.14). Just as the Lord kept the Father’s commands, we are encouraged to do likewise (Jn. 14.15). With these words, let’s consider some ways to practice decreasing in the sight of the Lord.

A primary way of decreasing in the sight of God is through self denial. Jesus made this abundantly clear in Luke 9.23 and it will do us well to practice this daily. Just as Jesus always pleased the Father, we should fully please our God as well (Col. 1.9-12). This requires us practicing the will of God after coming to the knowledge of the truth (Eph. 5.17). Unfortunately, many believe they are practicing the will of God but it is without knowing the truth. Friends, this cannot be the case. Just as John befriended the Lord and stood by Him, so should we as children of the Most High.

We can decrease by having the right attitude towards the word of God when it is read and preached. It is so important for us to humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God and with meekness receive the word of God, which is able to save our souls (1 Pet. 5.6; James 1.21). Just as Jesus was taught by His Father, we must realize the beauty of having the answers to life and godliness in the palms of our hands (Jn. 8.28; 2 Pet. 1.3). The Lord demonstrated through His life how much He trusted God. He went about doing good to glorify the Father and edified the world through preaching and service to His fellow man (Acts 10.38). These are definitely some ways to decrease as the people of God.

Just as Jesus trusted God and John trusted Jesus, we should seek to trust Him more in our day to day tasks as well. For example, the men and women in Hebrews eleven showed their trust through their obedience. Many in our day say they believe in God but clearly show they do not. The Hebrews writer said these words: “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him” (Heb. 11.6). In other words, our actions must reflect the commands and desires of Jehovah our God. Are you submitting to His Son’s will? Let’s show Him how much we love Him by applying His word to our lives today.

We must look for opportunities to be the Christian family (the home) the Lord desires on a consistent basis. We can decrease in pride, haughtiness and anger in the family. These things breed resentment and do not esteem Christ as head in the home and will eventually bring destruction into the home (Pro. 16.18). Brethren, let’s practice brotherly love and allow it to continue in the home. Remembering to love God and one another is vitally important and we must be mindful to hold one another accountable as well as being our brothers’ keeper. These are some practical ways to honor the Lord’s commands.

Finally, let’s give up our unlawful wants and desires to sin. The more we set our affections on things above, the more we will look like the One who died for us (2 Cor. 5.14-15). Taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ will help us to be content with the portion the Lord has given us with the correct attitude (2 Cor. 10.3-5). Our willingness to be a holy and separate people will help us make good, reasonable decisions as men and women of God. When our minds are spiritual, we tend to make decisions that glorify God and help those around us. Let’s consider some of these practical ways of decreasing to bring glory to God and abundance to our lives through Christ Jesus.