All of us have the potential for greatness in the kingdom, because all of us have the capacity to serve.
I know many people who think that they aren’t doing great things for God because they don’t have a name tag or because they aren’t in a position of leadership. But this is not how greatness is measured in the kingdom of God. Jesus said that “But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.” Matt 23:11
Once when two of the disciples asked if they could sit on his right and and his left in the kingdom, He responded by telling them, “Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them. But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.”
Jesus taught servant leadership, and He led by example.
What does that mean? It means that if we want to be great in God’s eyes, and others, we do it by serving. And when I say serving I mean serving in all types of practical ways. Picking garbage, scrubbing toilets, visiting the sick, praying in the closet. You name it. Jesus modeled service to his disciples one night by taking off his clothes, wrapping himself with a towel, and going around the room, one by one, washing their feet.
If you think that greatness is measured by how many people serve you or are directly under you, you are mistaken. If you think greatness is measured by how many people you have authority over, you are mistaken. Sure, the world sees greatness in this way, and offers its own, temporary rewards. But in the eternal realms of the kingdom of heaven, true greatness is found in loving and serving others, and will be recognized and rewarded by God Himself.
So the next time you’re tempted to think that you aren’t as important or as valuable as someone in the spotlight, just remember that the plain and simple fact is that anybody can be great, because anybody can serve. From eldest among us, to the youngest, we all have the capacity to love and serve others.
Do you want to live a life that influences others and pleases God? Then use your time, talents, and resources to bless others in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Go for it!