"He must increase; I must decrease."
- John 3:30 NABRE
Nowadays, we seek fame and glory. We seek attention from everyone. Every move that we make must be affirmed and talked about especially when one has done something that is good. We tend to sensationalize the goodness of a person. Looking at this scenario which is prevalent in our society, a question arises: Does being good entitle us the attribution of greatness?
"I" MUST INCREASE
It is very tempting for us to be credited for our charitable works. In whatever we do, the spotlight is focused on us, gaining the admiration of others. When we demand this, we fall to the sin of pride. In a generation of "Me, Myself, and I," one must be reminded of our Lord's instruction pertaining in doing acts of charity, "But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right is doing" (Matthew 6:3 NABRE). It will prevent us from placing ourselves on the pedestal and focus ourselves on the plight of our needy brothers and sisters.
"HE" MUST INCREASE
If we should not be the one credited for our good works, then who is? The one who must be acknowledged and be thanked for is none other than the Creator of man, God. Isn't it that we congratulate the parents every time their child performs well? It is in gratitude for the parents who raised their child to become a better person. It is the same with God. We congratulate Him for His creature (man) has done his mission well. Every time that we do what we're supposed to do (being good), God is praised, not us. It's not about us, it's all about Him! If we learn to acknowledge that we are just mere instruments of God's plan, we'll be constantly reminded to keep our feet on the ground.
DECREASE TO INCREASE
So, does being good entitle us the attribution of greatness? Yes, but with a condition: We must be humble enough to accept that we are nothing without God. We need Him. The problem with pride is that it removes God in our lives and making us "lords" and "gods," just like Adam and Eve (Genesis 3:4-5 NABRE). Humility, on the other hand, keeps us grounded and direct our actions to the Almighty. In this way, we say that the Lord is the BEST and we are the LEAST, not the other way around. By this virtue, we become great, just as our Lord Jesus Christ assures us, "Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted" (Matthew 23:12 NABRE).
