We live in a world of data. Computers and computer networking have shrunk the world. Consider, for example, how accessible classic novels are now for someone who, not so long ago, had no access to online libraries. Add to that the abundance of scientific, social, sports, health, and financial data. The human mind cannot hold it all, so it tends towards identifying with the polar ends of the spectrum, which ultimately have much greater sway over a person’s perspective than the remaining collective of “average” data. In other words, the human mind relinquishes the incredible value of the majority of data (taken as a whole) in favor of a few small so-called “superior” artifacts.
Let me give you an example. Suppose someone finds a cure for cancer tomorrow. What’s the likely path society will take regarding that person? Well, they will give them the highest praise and honor, a Nobel Prize, of course, and the choice of sitting on a multitude of high-paying boards in industry, national institutions, and universities. There’s no end to what society might bestow on this person who’s “cured cancer.”
But what about the thousands of truly gifted scientists who came before this person? Will their names be included in the annals of science, in high-school textbooks, and in everyone’s memory? Nope. Why not? Because it’s easier to remember the person who takes the “last shot” to “win the game” than all the journeymen who lifted that person on their shoulders.
Should we measure greatness using standards consistent with idolatry?
What did Jesus have to say on this topic?
The greatest among you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.
– Matthew 23:11-12
When does the lab assistant to the accomplished scientist get lauded as great? Never. When does the spouse of the so-called great person get any credit? Rarely. Usually, only when someone gives an acceptance speech does the “servant” get called out in a manner consistent with Jesus’ personal standards.
So, my question to you is this: what do you classify as “great”? By whose standards do you measure greatness and by what data? (Reading suggestion: The Perpetual Idol Factory)
Little children, keep yourselves from idols.
– 1 John 5:21
We humans are so quick to idolize people who specialize in one area of life (e.g., professional athletes, top businessmen, runway models, influencers, etc.) but have sacrificed all else to be the one who “has the ball at the end of the game and makes the winning shot.” We cheer for them as if they are greater than the janitor who dutifully sweeps the basketball court once everyone else has gone home.
Let me ask you a question now…
Who’s “greater”, the person who sacrifices everything (e.g., familial bonds, friendships, health, a relationship with Christ) to become great by world standards, or the person who serves others as unto the Lord in all aspects of their lives? Who’s “greater”, the self-serving billionaire or the woman who cleans the toilets, serves in her local church, serves a hot meal to her family every night, serves her husband a refreshing drink when he gets home from laboring all day, serves her pets food and water, serves, serves, serves (Colossians 3:23; 1 Thessalonians 4:7-12)???
God defines greatness differently than human beings do, by nature.
Greatness exists in the aggregate of a person’s servitude, which is tantamount to holiness in life. It’s all the little things done in the name of the Lord, things that often go unnoticed, which the servant is fine with as long as they know they are glorifying the Lord.
Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.
– Hebrews 12:14
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
– Romans 12:1-2
Greatness is defined by the Lord, not man. What we don’t see ascribed to God’s children in Holy Scripture are the tenets of today’s obsession with human greatness, self-service, and “winning”. These are all functions of competition, which, by itself, isn’t unholy; however, the idolatry that follows it around afterwards certainly is. God is not impressed. As Jesus Christ Himself said, greatness is a function of servitude.
The following scene illustrates what I’m writing about here. Keep an eye on the mother’s request and the indignation of the others towards her two sons. They all suffered the throes of fleshly competitiveness. Then observe how Jesus corrected their thinking, citing the true origin of greatness.
Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came up to him with her sons, and kneeling before him she asked him for something. And he said to her, “What do you want?” She said to him, “Say that these two sons of mine are to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your kingdom.”
Jesus answered, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am to drink?” They said to him, “We are able.” He said to them, “You will drink my cup, but to sit at my right hand and at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.” And when the ten heard it, they were indignant at the two brothers.
But Jesus called them to him and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
– Matthew 20:20-28
Competition is fine if it remains in the arena. However, being great at winning doesn’t translate into being great in the Kingdom of God. We can’t measure true greatness with data, like average points per game, or the most initials after your name, or any other quality that outstrips your neighbors. The greatness God desires for His children is immeasurable. It isn’t the result of “winning”; it’s a result of serving, and who can measure that, really, except God?
His master said to him, “Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.”
– Matthew 25:21
Love in Christ,
Ed Collins