Spiritual growth

Spiritual growth is not more knowledge or increase of years. It is simply more of Jesus and less of me. "He must increase, but I must decrease" (John 3:30). This is what it means to be a disciple. John the Baptist lived this testimony. I believe that had he not been martyered for his faith, people would have sought him for the next spiritual leader. John the Baptist, may or not have understood the implications of his faith. Did he understand what he meant by saying "He must increase, but I must decrease?" John paid the ultimate price when he was beheaded. He was the first martyr. How about us? Do we have the sense enough to get out of the way and allow Christ to have control? Or are we still wanting to control our destiny, our life. Elizabeth Elliot, in "through teh Gates of Splender" wrote about her husband Jim Elliot, and how he was so focused on serving Christ that he selflessly served Him by going to South America and taking the Gospel to them. The Auca Indians, killed him. Elizabeth Elliot, knowing full well that the Auca Indians murdered her husband, went back to minister to the tribe. The result of her being a faithful servant, was a tribe came to accept Jesus' sacrifice for their sins. Do I/we have the courage echo John's words "He must increase, but I must decrease"? Are willing to lay down our life and live a life of self sacrifice? Or am/are I/we so accustomed to our creature comforts that we have become spiritual couch potatoes? I/we must step aside and allow Christ to lead us not ask Jesus to bless our every activity. Does my/our faith go beyond the genie in the bottle? Lord I pray that I may have the faith to say "You must increase, I must decrease." Amen