John 3:30

John the Baptist had a real following. People traveled a long way to hear him preach, and then his own followers noticed the crowds were leaving him to follow Jesus. Instead of getting defensive, John celebrated. He understood that his whole purpose was to point people to Someone greater than himself.

We live in a world that constantly tells us to build our own name, whether through likes at work, recognition at church, or attention on social media. Doing good work is not the problem. The danger comes when pointing people to God quietly turns into pointing people to ourselves.

Try something practical today: do one good thing and tell absolutely no one. Give generously without being noticed. When a compliment comes your way, receive it with a simple thank you and privately give God the credit. Before big decisions, ask yourself one honest question: will this make me look bigger or make Jesus look bigger?

Here is the surprising part: living this way is actually freeing. When you stop needing to be the main character in every story, you stop carrying the heavy weight of everyone's approval. As Jesus takes up more room in your heart, your worries and your need to impress shrink, and your joy grows.

Dear Lord, forgive me for the times I have made life all about me. Help me today to point people to You through my words, my work, and my quiet choices. May You increase in my heart while I gladly step back. Amen.