True Greatness
I recently camped out in Matthew 20 – specifically the passage where James and John try to edge out the other disciples and request that, in His kingdom, one sit at Jesus’ right hand and the other on his left. Funny – the Matthew account has this request coming from their mother! (If you want to be great, it probably is not the best approach to get your mom to make the request.)
Instead of a tounge-lashing, Jesus takes the time to walk them through the definition of “true greatness.” In short, He teaches them (and us) that greatness is not measured by power, popularity, looks, athletic prowess, or star power. He turns that whole paradigm on its head and says “whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave.” (Matthew 20:25-27)
So, “true greatness” is all about service…and not just in the “big things” but everyday, as people with needs cross your path. So, as we serve, let’s not forget our greatest “model” – who “came not to be served, but to serve.” (Matthew 20:28).
One response so far
Good stuff friend. I think the idol I wrestle with the most in life is selfishness. It gets in the way of my opportunities to serve family and friends in the name of Christ more than any other sin with which I wrestle.