Fame

Imagine how you'd feel if thousands of people knew your name and followed your every move. Fame can be like a drug, it's addictive if we start believing we are worth all this admiration. Fame is also hard to let go of...how many "has beens" have you seen on reality TV? They just cannot seem to get enough.

Now think of John the Baptist. He was one of the most famous men in the region with many disciples. He was, until Jesus came to him (John 1:29). Not only did he know that Jesus' fame would eclipse his, he accepted and welcomed it. In John 3:30 we see him begin to release his fame "This is how my own happiness is made complete. He must increase and I must decrease." No hint of anger or jealousy. No "what about me". He had fulfilled his purpose and prepared the way for the Savior, the Lamb of God. That was enough for him.