5 Profound Ways To Decrease Your Ego And Let Christ Increase: Unpacking "Menguar En La Biblia"
The concept of "menguar en la biblia," which translates directly as "to diminish" or "to decrease," holds one of the most radical and counter-cultural challenges in Christian living today, December 25, 2025. This isn't just about being a little more humble; it’s a theological demand for the complete, deliberate reduction of the self—the ego—so that the presence and power of Jesus Christ can become fully visible in our lives.
The phrase is famously rooted in the Gospel of John, specifically in the declaration of John the Baptist, who perfectly modeled this principle of self-abnegation. Understanding and applying this concept is the essential pathway to genuine *spiritual growth* and a life of authentic *discipleship*, moving away from a self-obsessed culture toward one that truly glorifies God.
The Profound Theology of *Menguar*: The Death of the Old Self
The core of the biblical concept of *menguar* is found in John 3:30, where John the Baptist, speaking of Jesus, says: "He must increase, but I must decrease" (Es necesario que él crezca, pero que yo mengüe).
This statement was a direct response to his own disciples, who were concerned that Jesus was drawing a larger following than John was. Rather than defending his ministry or asserting his authority, John immediately embraced his God-given role: a mere friend of the Bridegroom, whose joy was complete because the Bridegroom (Jesus Christ) had arrived.
The Connection to Self-Denial and the Cross
The call to *menguar* is inextricably linked to Jesus’s own demand for *self-denial* and *cross-carrying* (Matthew 16:24). The word "decrease" implies a conscious, daily choice to put the *ego* and the *flesh*—the sinful nature driven by self on the throne—to death.
Theology teaches that the Christian life is a constant battle between the *old self* (or the *old man*) and the *new self* (the *new creation* in Christ). *Menguar* is the active process of starving the old self so that the *sanctification* process can flourish. It is a radical act of *surrendering* our personal ambition, success, and desire for the limelight.
In a world obsessed with self-promotion and personal branding, the idea of intentionally diminishing oneself is seen as a failure. However, for the believer, this is the only path to true success and *Christian humility*.
5 Practical Ways to Implement "I Must Decrease"
The principle of *menguar* is not just a lofty theological idea; it requires concrete, daily *spiritual disciplines*. Here are five practical ways to decrease the self so that the life of Christ can increase in you:
1. Redirect All Praise and Glory
When you achieve a success, receive a compliment, or are placed in the *limelight*, your natural instinct is to bask in the praise. The discipline of *menguar* requires you to immediately *redirect praise* to God. John the Baptist did not accept the title of Messiah; he pointed to the one who was to come. In your life, this means acknowledging that any talent, success, or accomplishment is a gift from God, and the *glory* belongs to Him alone. This is a powerful act of *humility*.
2. Embrace Obscurity and Unseen Service
The world rewards visibility. *Menguar* means finding contentment and joy in *embracing obscurity*—doing good deeds without seeking recognition. This aligns with Jesus's teaching to pray, fast, and give to the needy in secret (Matthew 6:1-6). When you choose the unseen service, you are deliberately denying your ego the satisfaction of public applause, ensuring that only *Christ is seen* in your work.
3. Prioritize Listening Over Speaking
The ego loves to be heard, to dominate the conversation, and to assert its opinion. The practice of *menguar* in conversation is to intentionally *listen more* than you speak. This is an act of respecting others and allowing their voices and needs to take precedence over your own desire to be the center of attention. It is a practical application of the New Testament instruction to consider others more significant than yourselves (Philippians 2:3).
4. Practice Daily Death to Self-Will
Every morning, you face a choice: your will or God's will. *Menguar* is the daily, deliberate choice to *surrender* your own plans, desires, and self-will to the authority of Jesus Christ. This is a constant re-crucifixion of the *flesh*. It means choosing to forgive when you want revenge, choosing to be patient when you want to lash out, and choosing to obey the Word even when it is inconvenient or costly.
5. Cultivate a Deep, Private Prayer Life
The greatest battle against the ego is won in the quiet place of *prayer*. A deep, consistent, and private *prayer life* shifts your focus from your own needs and power to God's power and sovereignty. This discipline is where the *old man* is stripped away and the *new man* is strengthened. The more you focus on the majesty of Jesus Christ in prayer, the smaller your own self-importance becomes, naturally leading to a decrease in self-centeredness.
The Ultimate Goal: Why Christ Must Increase
The purpose of *menguar* is not self-flagellation or spiritual masochism; it is to achieve a higher, more profound reality. When we decrease, Christ increases. What does this "increase" look like?
The increase of Christ in a believer's life is manifested in several powerful ways:
- Increased Fruit of the Spirit: As the ego diminishes, the *Fruit of the Spirit* (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control) becomes more evident (Galatians 5:22-23).
- Greater Spiritual Authority: Paradoxically, by giving up your own authority, you gain true *spiritual authority* because your actions are clearly empowered by God and not by your own strength.
- Clearer Witness: Your life becomes a clearer, less cluttered mirror reflecting the character of *Jesus Christ*. The world sees less of your personality and more of His.
- Deeper Intimacy with God: The removal of the self as a barrier allows for a deeper, more meaningful *intimacy with God* and a profound understanding of the *New Covenant*.
The journey of *menguar* is a lifelong process of *discipleship* and *sanctification*. It is a recognition that our ultimate identity is found not in our achievements, titles, or public profile, but solely in our relationship with Jesus Christ. By continually choosing to *decrease* the self, we ensure that our lives are a powerful and unhindered testimony to the one who is truly worthy of all *glory* and *honor*—the one who must *increase*.
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