"For he taught his disciples, and said unto them, The Son of man is delivered into the hands of men, and they shall kill him; and after that he is killed, he shall rise the third day. But they understood not that saying, and were afraid to ask him. And he came to Capernaum: and being in the house he asked them, What was it that ye disputed among yourselves by the way? But they held their peace: for by the way they had disputed among themselves, who should be the greatest. And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all." Mark 9:31-35
The most important event in human history was about to take place, and the disciples were arguing about their prestige in the Kingdom! Looking back, we can see that this was no time to be worrying about status. But the disciples, wrapped up in their own concerns, did not perceive what Jesus had been trying to tell them about His approaching death and resurrection. Now, this scripture brings to mind what God's people are doing or not doing today, to achieve greatness in their lives.
The desire to be somebody and to amount to something in life dwells in the hearts of many people today. All of us, to some measure, desire to stand well with other people and allow them to be able to say a good word for us. This desire is, in some respects, a good thing. It stimulates us to make our very best efforts in striving for excellence. However, there is such a thing as excessive ambition, false pride, and love of praise for its own sake.
Have you ever wondered what God's standard of greatness is for our lives? Even the disciples of Jesus were at times filled with false pride. There are quite a few places in the Bible where you see the disciples debating among themselves who was the greatest. And at such times, Jesus took them aside to tell them what true greatness consists of in the sight of God and what it demands of a person.
As we look at the different denominations of churches today, we also see a confliction as to which belief is the best one or the greatest in learning and serving the Lord. This is not Christ-like Christians. We need to remember God's standard of greatness is different from that of the world in which we reside. The world lusts for power, wealth, knowledge, status, and extraordinary performances. However, in God's sight a person who has a trusting faith in Jesus, who obeys God's laws, and who humbly serves in the Lord's kingdom is truly great!
By our faith in the Savior, our obedience to the will of God, and our service to the Lord, we can demonstrate this "greatness" that is the joy of the Lord! So may I close in saying, "Get your eyes off yourself Christians, and focus your sight on Christ ~ For His second coming draws nigh!"
May God bless you with a wonderful today as you find delightful greatness in the Lord and apply it to your day.
Love in Christ Jesus, Sandy |
