Greatness

“A group of tourists visiting a picturesque village walked by an old man sitting beside a fence. In a rather patronizing way, one tourist asked him, “Were any great men born in this village?” The old man replied, “Nope, only babies.”*

We can all think of someone we admire as a great man or woman of God.  We applaud their faith and courage, perhaps even thinking about how amazing it would be to be just like them.  Then we begin to doubt ourselves, saying, “I could never do that!”  But remember -- all great men and women of God begin life in the same way every Christian does -- as a babe in Christ who is then called to grow and mature in their faith.  It is the calling of every believer, not just a privileged few.

Amy Carmichael said it this way: “Sometimes when we read the words of those who have been more than conquerors, we feel almost despondent. I feel that I shall never be like that. But they won through step by step, by little bits of wills, little denials of self, little inward victories, by faithfulness in very little things. They became what they are. No one sees these little hidden steps. They only see the accomplishment, but even so, those small steps were taken. There is no sudden triumph, no spiritual maturity. That is the work of the moment.”

It’s true.  Greatness is forged in the furnace of everyday life -- something we all face.  In that sense, greatness isn’t a gift, it’s something we grow into.  It’s the byproduct of a life lived faithfully.  It helps to remember as well that greatness doesn’t always look the same.  Some greatness is evident to all; other greatness is not.  According to Jesus, greatness looks alot like service.  “It is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant…” (Matthew 20:26).  The road to greatness can begin with one simple step of faithful service.  Be great today!

God loves you!

Mike

*Developing the Leader Within You, John Maxwell