He Must Increase; I Must Decrease
"Christian progress is not up; It's down. We are growing in humility. We are becoming more aware of how needy we've always been and more aware of how sufficient Christ really is. And so there's this wonderful expanse that's growing in our mind. I am much more needy than I ever imagined and He is infinitely full for people like me."
― John Snyder, Behold Your God: The Weight Of Majesty
Thomas Watson (1620–1686) was a 17th-century Puritan preacher and author. Watson’s depth of doctrine, clarity of expression, warmth of spirituality, love of application, and gift of illustration enhanced his reputation as a preacher and writer. His books are still widely read today.
Watson writes in his book, The Godly Man's Picture:
A humble soul is a Christ-magnifier (Phil. 1:20). He gives the glory of all his actions to Christ and free grace. King Canute took the crown off his own head and set it upon a crucifix. So a humble saint takes the crown of honour from his own head and sets it upon Christ's.
And the reason is the love that he bears to Christ. Love can part with anything to the object loved. Isaac loved Rebekah and he gave away his jewels to her (Gen. 24:53). The humble saint loves Christ entirely, therefore can part with anything to him. He gives away to Christ the honour and praise of all he does. Let Christ wear those jewels . . .
A humble man is willing to have his name and gifts eclipsed, so that God's glory may be increased. He is content to be outshone by others in gifts and esteem, so that the crown of Christ may shine the brighter. This is the humble man's motto: ‘Let me decrease; let Christ increase.’ It is his desire that Christ should be exalted, and if this is effected, whoever is the instrument, he rejoices. ‘Some preach Christ of envy’ (Phil. 1:15). They preached to take away some of Paul's hearers. ‘Well,’ says he, ‘Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice’ (v.18). A humble Christian is content to be laid aside if God has any other tools to work with which may bring him more glory . . .WHAT MEANS MAY WE USE TO BE HUMBLE?
Study God's immensity and purity; a sight of glory humbles. Elijah wrapped his face in a mantle when God's glory passed before him (I Kings 19:13). The stars vanish when the sun appears.