John the Baptist provides an example of appropriate humility before the Lord.  John had a great ministry compared with other men but he knew that he was only to be an arrow pointing to Jesus, the Messiah.  Likewise, no matter how great we think we are compared to other men, we are nothing in comparison to Jesus.  We have nothing of eternal value to offer.  We are filthy sinners.  He is perfect.  Like John the Baptist, we are to point people to him.  He must increase.  We must decrease.