Less is More

I recently heard it said, “humility is not thinking less of yourself, it is thinking of yourself less.”

When an empty bottle gets filled with water, the natural result is less air in the vessel.

Similarly, in our Father’s Kingdom, a decrease of ‘self’ will always be preceded by an increase of God’s character and the fruit of His Spirit in our lives. I cannot produce the decrease. I must first be a recipient of an increase.

But what on earth do we do with all the ‘self’ in ourselves? It seems to show up when you least expect it. There’s the temptation to look at yourself as you pass a mirror, or the self-pity that rises to the surface when you’re feeling left out. Or how about the desire to be noticed that you try to make sure no one notices?

John the Baptist’s disciples were feeling threatened by the fact that Jesus and His disciples were attracting more people to be baptised than they were, but to their concern John simply replies,

“A man can only receive what is given him from heaven” (John 3:27). He goes on to remind his crew something that most parents know to teach their young children when they fuss because they don’t want to share. “Life is not all about you.” John understood that all of us are here for a bigger purpose, therefore he taught his disciples a Kingdom principle that is a key to maturing in life and in Christ.

At times, our good Father who is the ultimate perfect parent, will lovingly develop maturity in us through His discipline and correction. ‘No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it’ (Hebrews 12:11).

I used to fear the discipline and correction from God because I had not experienced godly discipline from my earthly parents. My expectations were that God would discipline me harshly, therefore I became very self-protecting, which is an immature (undeveloped) response. I needed a perfect Father to re-teach or re-parent me in order to grow up in my faith, enabling me to experience His harvest of righteousness and peace. It is less of me, more of Him.

When my daily time with the Lord increases, my time spent thinking about me decreases. If I choose to focus on others’ needs, I naturally ponder my own much less. These are simple choices that foster maturity.

Here are some tangible steps you can take today that will allow God more space in your heart, mind, and life. The key is God first.

Choose to give Him the first moments of your day and fight for time in His word each day. Choose to do something for someone else today, anonymously! Welcome His discipline, remembering that the ambitions of His heart are only perfect love.