Our scripture texts bring to view a subject that has tripped many, both young and old in their life journey. We are witnessing such resurgence of evil similar only in deed and extent to the days of Noah that we must raise the alarm, particularly to our youth who have been misguided both in the church and in their homes by the wrong instructions being dished out on the subject.
I want you to be frank and truthful to yourself, how do you define greatness and how do you measure greatness?
- Some measure greatness in applause and accolades such as accompany attainment of status and power, political or otherwise;
- The world is changing very fast and old values are no more cared for. Some measure greatness in commitment to achieving in material ways; for such greatness, goodness and success are measured by the yardstick of wealth one has irrespective of the means to get to that end. “The main aim of life is to earn more money and spend it luxuriously.”
If you find yourself locked into either of these two definitions, you are walking contrary to God’s will and if you don’t stop to correct course, you are heading to a shipwreck. Consider two of our scripture texts:
Jeremiah 45:1-4 (NLT) The prophet Jeremiah gave a message to Baruch son of Neriah in the fourth year of the reign of Jehoiakim son of Josiah, after Baruch had written down everything Jeremiah had dictated to him. He said, “This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says to you, Baruch: You have said, ‘I am overwhelmed with trouble! Haven’t I had enough pain already? And now the Lord has added more! I am worn out from sighing and can find no rest.’ “Baruch, this is what the Lord says: ‘I will destroy this nation that I built. I will uproot what I planted. Are you seeking great things for yourself? Don’t do it! I will bring great disaster upon all these people; but I will give you your life as a reward wherever you go. I, the Lord, have spoken!’”
Matthew 20:20-28, focusing on vs. 24-28: And when the ten heard it, they were moved with indignation against the two brethren. But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
Two things are evident: seeking greatness
- in a system that’s condemned in judgment is an exercise in futility and will end up in disappointment; and
- along the lines the world (gentiles) pursue it is contrary to God’s way.
Is it because God is against greatness? The answer is NO. Nowhere does the Lord tell His disciples not to desire greatness. He actually taught them the counterintuitive way to achieve it as revealed in our quoted passages above. Put simply those who seek opportunity to serve in the quiet places of the world, theirs is the higher reward and those who spur others on to reach their goals is great indeed.
Myles Munroe said the greatness of a man is measured by the way he treats the little man. Compassion for the weak is a sign of greatness.
Pope Francis declared that the greatness of a society is found in the way it treats those most in need, those who have nothing apart from their poverty.
Will you heed the instructions of the Lord and have a change of mindset and abandon the wrong direction the world is leading you? Remember broad is the way that leads to destruction. The world and perhaps your church or home may have taught you otherwise, it is time to stop and turn to the word of truth to live by it. Selah.
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