Decreasing: The Uncomfortable Opposite Leadership Model
When the ultimate goal of leadership isn't to be seen, but to point.
"He must become greater; I must become less."
(John 3:30)
It’s hard to imagine a less popular leadership strategy.
We live in a world obsessed with visibility, personal platforms, and growing our reach. Yet John the Baptist—a man drawing massive desert crowds, captivating entire regions, and turning the heads of elite religious leaders—did something unthinkable at the peak of his career.
He stepped back.
John knew who he was, but more importantly, he knew who he wasn't. Under the relentless pressure of public intrigue and fame, he refused to take credit for a role that wasn't his. He chose decrease over ambition.
What Do You Say about Yourself?
When priests and other religious leaders questioned John's identity, his first response was immediate:
"I am not the Christ."
There was no hesitation or attempt to build his own reputation. He didn't try to generate (or keep) a following and was very clear in his communication.
John understood that leadership begins with identity.
"Then they said to him, “Who are you? Tell us, so that we may give an answer to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?” He said, “I AM THE VOICE of one calling out in the wilderness, 'Make the way of the Lord straight, ' as Isaiah the prophet said." (John 1: 22-23)
John was willing to be the grass that withers. He knew his life, his ministry, and his time in the spotlight were temporary.
True leadership isn't about becoming the destination—it’s about becoming the signpost
Identity is More Than a Role
If we were asked who we are, most of our replies would echo our main roles in life: I am a wife, a mother, a teacher, a writer... I used to be a professional dancer... I am a leader.
We have a mental resume that explains who we think we are, but these titles are temporary and are rooted in what we do rather than who we truly are.
Look at John the Baptist. His whole life was devoted to making a sound. He was the forerunner sent ahead to prepare the way. The "wilderness" he navigated wasn't physical terrain; it described the rugged, dry, and barren places of wilted hearts. His mission was to remove spiritual obstacles so people would be ready to receive the Messiah.
To straighten a path means to level out rocky places, but it also means to steer, guide, and direct—much like a captain at the helm correcting a ship's course to align it.
John’s identity was singular: to steer people toward Jesus.
When we become confused about our true identity, we inevitably start competing for attention that belongs to Christ alone. John never tried to become the destination.
He remained the signpost and the sound.
Courage to Tell the Truth
John's humility was never weakness. It made him bold and courageous.
He was not afraid to confront religious hypocrisy without compromise.
The religious leaders had become rigid, prideful, and hyper-focused on outward rules while neglecting justice and love. John's message was an urgent call to clear away the spiritual debris- the boulders of pride, hypocrisy, and apathy so that people would actually recognise and receive Jesus when He arrived.
He called the Pharisees a brood of vipers.
He challenged people to repent rather than merely appear religious.
He even confronted King Herod over his immoral lifestyle—a decision that ultimately cost him his freedom and his life.
Humility and boldness are not opposites. They often grow together!
The Lowest Place
John once made an astonishing and curious statement about Jesus:
"I am not worthy to untie the straps of His sandals." (John 1:27)
To understand the weight of this, we have to look at the culture of the day. In Jewish society, disciples willingly served their rabbis in almost every practical way—carrying their coats, preparing their meals, and following them step-by-step. But there was a clear boundary line: even disciples were not expected to untie their teacher's sandals. That task was reserved exclusively for the lowest household slave. In a world of dusty, dirt-covered roads, touching someone's footwear was considered the most degrading act of service possible.
John speaks these words at the absolute peak of his own popularity. He had influence, authority, and a massive platform. He wasn't practicing fake modesty or being overly dramatic. He was expressing genuine, reverent awe. He understood the infinite greatness of Christ so deeply that even the most degrading task in the culture felt like an undeserved privilege in His presence.
There was a time when I found myself in tears while cleaning up dog poop that was smeared all over the floor. Stinky paw prints everywhere! It felt so disgusting and demeaning, and I was exhausted at the end of a long and challenging day, but I was convicted. Even Jesus washed dirty feet with a heart of love, without prestige, payment, or his rightful position!
When our identity is tied to our roles, we constantly defend our status, expecting the recognition we think we deserve. But when our identity is rooted in the majesty of Jesus, the low place no longer feels like a demotion. Like John, we realise that no act of service is "beneath" us when we are simply pointing people to the King.
The Key to Lasting Influence
John's most famous words are also his greatest leadership lesson.
"He must increase, but I must decrease." (John 3:30)
Our culture constantly encourages us to build platforms, grow influence, protect our reputation, and establish our personal brand. It doesn't reflect God's kingdom leadership.
John chose a different path.
He willingly stepped out of the spotlight so that Jesus could stand in the centre.
His ministry succeeded precisely because it never became about him.
This kind of leadership is rare but desperately needed in a platform-obsessed world that has lost sight of the King!
Making Room for the King
John quoted Isaiah to answer the relentless questions about himself. The chapter continues describing mountains being brought low before the King arrives.
Every valley shall be raised up,
every mountain and hill made low;
the rough ground shall become level,
the rugged places a plain.
And the glory of the Lord will be revealed,
and all people will see it together.
For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.” (Isaiah 40: 4-5)
Pride is one of those mountains. It takes up more space than we realise.
Every time we choose recognition over service...
Every time we crave applause or approval more than obedience...
Every time our identity depends on being seen, heard, understood, valued, and validated, another obstacle appears in the King's road.
John's leadership teaches us another way because the purpose of the road was never the road itself. It was always the King's arrival.
Decrease yourself.
Exalt Christ.
Clear your road of the obstacles that prevent HIS full access.
Let your sound and your life be signposts that point towards HIM!
John never tried to become famous.
He simply became faithful so that GOD'S glory would be revealed!
When we decrease we invite space for God’s glory
.
That is still the highest calling of every Christian leader, parent, mentor, pastor, teacher, and friend.
Our greatest achievement is not that people remember our names or even what we have done - it is that they see Jesus more clearly!
Reflection
Who receives the glory for your work?
Where has ambition quietly become more important than obedience?
Ask God to reveal any mountain of pride that still needs to be brought low.
Then pray John's simple prayer:
"Lord, may You increase, and may I gladly decrease."
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