What is greatness?
Former NBA coach Jeff Van Gundy defined greatness as being your very best when your very best is needed.
If you would like to read about greatness, you can click here: http://waylonbailey.com/2014/05/20/the-definition-of-greatness/
What is greatness in the kingdom of God?
Almost any follower of Christ knows the answer to the question. To be great in the kingdom of God is to be a servant. The Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for the people of the world. The servants of Christ are not greater than their master. We are called to service as well.
What would our service look like?
First, we would love people and seek to find ways to bless people. Jesus had time for people. He cared about everyone–from the Syro-Phoenician woman begging crumbs from the table to Nicodemus serving in the Sanhedrin.
Our greatness will come when we care for the people Jesus died for.
Second, we will be givers. We will give money, time, talent, and effort. Greatness is not about receiving; it is about giving.
Third, we will learn the ways of Christ and follow in His steps. While “What Would Jesus Do?” has become a trite expression, it truly expresses the Christian faith. What would Jesus have us to do? If we follow Him, we understand what greatness is.
Fourth, can there be any greatness in the kingdom without hearing what the Spirit is saying to us? Greatness means learning Christ and His ways. It means letting the Spirit reveal the meaning of Scripture. It means taking on the mind of Christ.
Finally, greatness means seeking and reaching the world for Christ. In the time when the world needs the church the most, greatness means that we give our very best.
May it be so in our lives.
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2 Responses
Thank you Pastor, great insight. Learning to listen to the Holy Spirit is awesome and the experience of a lifetime. Just this morning as I walked into a coffee shop I immediately made eye contact with a young man at the door and felt the Holy Spirit for compassion on this young man. I did not understand why until after I made my purchase and was leaving. I saw the same young man sitting at a table, he had an open Bible in front of him, and across the table was sitting another gentleman with his arms crossed and a somewhat puzzled look on his face. I then knew why I felt compassion and felt the need to pray for both of them. The picture of the first young man sharing the Word and the second trying to understand told me why the Holy Spirit spoke to me. Just something I wanted to share.
Bob, thanks for reminding us about listening to the Spirit.