The Paradox of Greatness By Carl McMurray In a survey of 287 college students I was reading about, nearly all of them expressed a desire for greatness. At the same time, very few of these educated young people perceived any connection between greatness and service. This is a fascinating index on our times if you consider that great men and women of the past are generally considered in the light of greatness because of their service. George Washington, George Washington Carver, Albert Einstein, Marie Curie, Louis Pasteur and more were not considered in the light of “greatness” in their own day. It was as the sun set on their achievements and their service to others became obvious that their true greatness began to shine. The most unique individual to walk this earth, Jesus, the Son of God, exemplified greatness by getting down on His knees and washing the feet of some who didn’t even understand what He was doing. He said in John 13:13-15, “You call Me Teacher and Lord; and you are right, for so I am. If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you.” Let us follow in the steps of our Lord by learning the greatness of service. It is not an easy path to walk. The paradox of this path is that those who seek after greatness by watching out for self first or defending their own wants and desires at all costs are usually remembered as selfish, boastful, or grasping. The one who considers the needs of others as more important (Phil. 2:4) than self, and humbly takes pride off the pedestal of exaltation are the ones who are exalted. Jesus taught in Matthew 20:26-28, “It is not so among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave; just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” Do you desire to be “great” in the kingdom of God? Look around for someone to serve! It really doesn’t matter whether you consider yourself as old or young, married or single, ill or healthy... nor does it matter which of the above groups you turn to ... just in some way this week try to assist and help someone else. It is you who will reap the blessing.
Posted on: Fri, 24 May 2013 08:53:56 +0000
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