Many think of the rich and powerful as the great ones of the world, those who are above all blessed by God. And many devote their lives to standing among them. In God’s kingdom, however, it is not those who take the highest seats who are great, but those who follow Christ’s example of service. For He “did not come to be served, but to serve” (Matt. 20:28).
What, then, is greatness?
The world has many standards by which it measures greatness: intellectual achievement; political and military leadership; scientific and medical discoveries; wealth and power; athletic, dramatic, literary, and musical skill. Jesus, on the other hand, responded to His disciples’ arguments about who would be the greatest with these words: “Whoever receives this little child in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me receives Him who sent Me. For he who is least among you all will be great” (Luke 9:48; see also Matt. 20:16). It is those who follow Christ in serving others who are truly great and called blessed. Among these are those whom the world might think of as outcasts and treat as nothing.
The world says, “Important and to be honored are the rich and famous.” Jesus says, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 5:3).
The world says, “Blessed are those who celebrate their successes.” Jesus says, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted” (Matt. 5:4).
The world says, “Blessed are the bold and proud who have the power to take what they want.” (Indeed, many worship power.) Jesus says, “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth” (Matt. 5:5).
The world says, “Blessed are those who live in luxury, with the richest of food and drink and every amenity under the sun.” Jesus says, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God” (Matt. 5:6-8).
The world says, “Blessed are the conquerors.” Jesus says, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake” (Matt. 5:9-11).
Christians and Christian institutions, then, should not seek greatness and power in the eyes of the world, but the ways of true greatness modeled and taught by Christ. If you want to be great and blessed in God’s eyes, do as Christ did—identify with and seek to serve those whom the world often overlooks. Take up your cross and follow Jesus in your sphere of influence. Serve as He served and live a life that reflects His greatness—the true greatness of love and mercy.
