This passage is a transitioning from the Old Testament to the New Testament. John the Baptist had to step aside in order for Christ to come to the forefront. His natural impulse may have been to assert himself, and stepping aside would disappoint others because their expectations weren’t being met, but these types of struggles only proved how strong John’s faith was. Our satisfaction isn’t through receiving our expectations but by following Christ by faith. When my kingdom is falling apart, I can choose to be discontent, or I can choose to see by faith what God is doing. God gives grace through the struggle. What we possess is not our own. All position and authority come from God. We didn’t earn what we have--God has given it all. If you become possessive, you will worry. But you don’t need to identify yourself in your eyes, or anyone else's. Know who you are in Christ--this will be freedom from insecurity and worry. When I know who I am in Christ, I won’t feel competitive if my identity is attacked. Our view of Christianity has to be greater than just us and what’s in front of us. To decrease is to see that I am not the central piece of the story. This is a freeing realization because it takes the pressure off of yourself. If you are walking in the will of God, you are where you are and who you are right now because this is where God has brought you. Our place in the Kingdom of God is not based on how well we perform or our success, but by our faith. Let your plans go. Listen to the Word of God. We can’t see the whole picture, but we can see by faith. We truly learn to live when we learn what we live for. Will you decrease so that Christ can increase?