Living For Greatness

Living For Greatness                                                                        August 22, 2021

“And an argument arose among His disciples as to which of them might be the greatest.  But Jesus, knowing what they were thinking in their heart, took a child and stood him by His side, and said to them, ‘Whoever receives this child in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me receives Him who sent Me; for he who is least among you, this is the one who is great.'” (Luke 9:46-48)

I suppose if everyone were to define what “greatness” is there would be a lot of similar answers.  Much would be centered around one’s personal achievements or their connection to someone regarded by many as being great.  Wayne Gretzky is referred to as the “great one” because of his tremendous achievements in professional hockey in which he has surpassed the records of many great hockey players before him. 

God does not condemn one’s achievements or successes but He does look down on any who basically say in their hearts, “Look what I’ve accomplished in life” as if they were solely responsible for their “greatness.”

Certainly there has never been anyone as great as Jesus Christ.  Yet His accomplishments were not based on what He did for Himself but on what He did for others.  If you want to be great in life then be the least noticed by men and if you want to great and first noticed by others then become the servant of others (Matthew 20:20-28). 

Jesus is remembered by what He has done for others.  After you’re gone will you be remembered as Jesus was or will your accomplishments be only centered around what you have done for yourself?

Living for greatness is living for God and for others.

Brian Thompson