Tim Maas Retired Quality Assurance Specialist with the U.S. Army

In multiple verses in the gospels, Jesus told His followers that greatness in God's eyes is different from the way that the unsaved world perceives it.

To the world, greatness is achieved through self-promotion, and recognition or acclaim from others. Those aspiring to be great think in terms of "making a name" for themselves by their accomplishments so that others will praise, applaud, and admire them (along with all the temporal benefits that may accompany such fame).

To Christians, true greatness consists in putting the needs of others above their own, even to the point of acting as a servant (or even a slave) to others (Mark 10:42-45). In this, they are following the example of Jesus, who (as noted by Paul in Philippians 2:5-8), although He was God, did not selfishly regard His station as God as something to be preserved or maintained at all costs, but emptied Himself by becoming human, and then humbled Himself even further to the point of undergoing an undeserved, excruciating, humiliating death for the salvation of humanity.

As Jesus Himself said (Matthew 20:28). He did not come to earth to be served by others, but to be a servant Himself, and to give His life as a ransom for many. Those who call themselves His disciples are to follow His example of humility and service to others.

March 14 2018 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Christopher Burden

Man's measure of what is right isn't the same high mark as God's. A verse in proverbs talks about what appears right before man ends horrible. Exalted by man does not mean it is exalted by God. His ways are higher than ours, and His ways are better, and so are His decisions. 

If man chooses worldly ways, he most certainly chooses something God didn't choose. I would rather be Christ-like and face worldly condemnation than to be worldly and face Godly condemnation. The worldly ways aren't God's ways, and its idols aren't God's ideals. A shepherd boy, David, to be called to take down the giant, Philistine, no one other would face. Look at what happens after being called. Saul/Paul is another example. Just because a man is a slave doesn't mean God has little use for that man. We seek to understand God's ways. God can setup, and remove His kings, at his own will and choosing. This is His story, and we are His.

September 05 2023 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report