Revcort's Ramblings

Scripture Focus

“He must increase, but I must decrease.” – John 3:30 (ESV)

“For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.” – Galatians 1:10 (ESV)

Devotional Thought

One of the greatest battles of the Christian life is the struggle between seeking the approval of God and seeking the approval of people. Deep down, most of us crave to be liked, accepted, and applauded. It is comfortable to receive the praise of men, but it is fleeting. The approval of God, however, carries eternal weight, even when it comes with rejection from the world.

John the Baptist understood this well. His ministry was thriving, crowds were gathering, and people respected him. Yet when Jesus came on the scene, John willingly stepped aside and said, “He must increase, but I must decrease.” John’s joy was not in his own platform, but in seeing Christ exalted.

The Apostle Paul also wrestled with this tension. In Galatians, he makes a sharp point: if pleasing people is your ultimate goal, you cannot truly be a servant of Christ. Paul reminds us that trying to straddle both worlds—seeking God’s glory while clinging to human approval—will eventually collapse. True discipleship requires choosing one: either living for the applause of people or living for the pleasure of God.

In today’s world, where popularity, influence, and image are often valued above truth, the call of Christ remains the same: decrease so that He may increase. The question is, whose voice matters most to you?

Reflection Questions

1. In what areas of your life are you most tempted to seek the approval of people over the approval of God?
2. How does John’s humility challenge the way you think about your own influence, reputation, or recognition?
3. What might it look like in your daily life to decrease so that Christ may increase?
4. Are your prayers and decisions shaped more by fear of what people think or by faith in what God desires?

Closing Prayer

Lord Jesus, I confess that I often seek the approval of others more than I seek Your glory. Forgive me for the times I have lived for the applause of men rather than the pleasure of God. Teach me to walk in humility like John, willing to decrease so that You may increase. Give me the courage of Paul to boldly live as Your servant, even when it means rejection or misunderstanding. May my life reflect Your greatness, not mine. In Your holy name I pray, Amen.