In His Name Devotionals
WHAT MAKES A PERSON GREAT?
In His Name Devotionals
WHAT MAKES A PERSON GREAT?
“But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Matthew 23:11-12 NKJ)
“Three Great Ones,” proclaimed the front page of the newspaper. “Gordon wins again at Daytona, Woods ends drought at Buick Invitational and Jordan speaks tonight.” All of these men have good reputations. They certainly excel in their respective sports and deserve much recognition.
As I read this article, I was reminded that Jesus defined greatness very differently from how society chooses those to be honored and sometimes worshiped. Jesus said, “…the greatest among you must be a servant” (Matt. 23:11-12). He tells us that we must become as humble as a little child to become great in the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 18:4). Later, when the disciples’ concern for status surfaced again, Jesus told them that the greatest is servant of all (Luke 22:25-27). Jesus Christ is the greatest, because He gave Himself for the sins of the world (Philippians 2:1-11).
In another section of the paper, appeared a story about individuals who were recognized as outstanding teachers. A benevolent organization was helping underprivileged children. Articles such as these very seldom make the front page of any newspaper. The newspaper is not to blame. They give priority to stories of news items that attract the greatest number of readers.
Based on His Holy Word, when we get to heaven, God will give the most recognition and reward to His devoted servants. I’m convinced that God will recognize those that served Him by such Christian acts as taking care of the sick and needy, working hard to raise a Christian family and those that continued to do what was right while enduring adversity and hardship. They are great because they gave themselves to serve others.
It is not often that God’s servants receive a trophy or crown for doing His will here on earth. But He has promised those who love him, a crown in Heaven. In his “I have a Dream” speech, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said: “...everybody can be great, because anybody can serve.”
