The real hero

He must increase, but I must decrease. — John 3:30

Louis B. Neumiller was known for his humility, integrity, and commitment to quality. As president of the Caterpillar Tractor Company from 1941-54, he led the manufacturer of earth-moving equipment through the challenges of World War II into global expansion. In the book In Their Time: The Greatest Business Leaders of the Twentieth Century, authors Mayo and Nohria describe Neumiller’s leadership a “success without fanfare.” His mark of greatness, they note, was that he took his identity out of the business and “let his company become a hero instead of himself.”

We see the same quality of selflessness in John the Baptist, the dynamic preacher who repeatedly affirmed his mission of paving the way for the Messiah. When John’s followers became concerned that Jesus was baptizing people and crowds were following Him, John replied: “You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, ‘I am not the Christ,’ but. ‘I have been sent before Him.’ . . . He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:28-30).

As followers of Christ, are we lifting Him up instead of seeking honor for ourselves? Rather than being disappointed when our contribution is unnoticed, we should be glad because our highest privilege is to magnify the Lord. He’s the hero!

Honoring Him is the mark of greatness. — David McCasland

A prayer: Lord, teach us to be humble. May our desire be that You be known, honored, loved, and exalted in every thought and action — above ourselves. Amen.

READ: John 3:22-30

The great Christian is one who is small enough to let God be great in his life.

The Bible in one year:

• Deuteronomy 28-29

• Mark 14:54-72