ByIt’s common to see a person aspiring to be great someday in future. But in most cases, we view greatness as achieving something huge in life, building great families and institutions. Some people even measure greatness by the size of money a person has. But all these are elements of influence and don’t define greatness to its core according to God’s Word.
What is Greatness?
The word “greatness” has several meanings. According to the Wordweb dictionary, it means an unusual largeness in size, extent or number. But Jesus defined it differently. Let’s read Matthew 20:26-28 (NKJV).
[26] “Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. [27] And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave— [28] just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”
Matthew 20:26-28 (NKJV)
A mother of two brothers in Jesus’ disciples came to Jesus, seeking a place of honour in His kingdom for her sons. But Jesus denied it. Jesus didn’t condemn the woman’s action. Instead, he showed her, including the disciples, how to be great. That is, by serving.
According to Matthew 20:27, anyone who wants to be first must be everyone’s slave. But what should that person serve? It’s his divine gift.
Proverbs 22:29 NKJV says,
“Do you see a man who excels in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before unknown men.”
When you serve your world with your gift through work, God propels you to higher heights. So it’s your purposeful service that connects you to greatness. The more your service to others increases, the greater you become. Here comes how owning institutions relates to greatness.
How your possessions make you great
God is against materialism. He blesses us for us to be a blessing to others. When you own institutions, houses, businesses and other properties, what you do with them determines whether they contribute to your greatness or make you rich without purpose.
Suppose you own a house; that contributes to your greatness if you steward it to bless your family, not to make a name. It’s the same principle for businesses, money and even material possessions. When what you have serves the need of others, you’re on the path of greatness.
God wants you to have enough to enjoy life and, at the same time, help others. Don’t boast about your possessions. Use them to serve others. That is what makes you great.
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