Whoever Desires to Be Great (part 1)
Introduction. Seeking to become great is the fire of ambition and determination that has propelled many into positions of success, honor and even fame. The path is not difficult. After assessing our strengths and weaknesses, along with our interests and desires, we choose a goal. For some it is sport or a hobby and for others a career or collection. Some choose family and others choose God. Depending on our choices we either limit or expand our potential. By choosing something small, even after reaching the goal, we remain small. If we choose something great, the higher we climb, the greater we become.
For the devout Christian seeking spiritual greatness, nothing changes except the goals and challenges. Seeking first the kingdom, denying ourselves to follow Him, planning, preparing and then executing are the first steps of spiritual greatness. Passages like 1Cor. 4:10–15 and 2Tim. 2:20-22 speak of Christians who are seen by God as vessels of gold, silver and precious stones. The quest to change our intrinsic value from wood, clay or straw into a beautiful polished gem set in gold or silver is first based on God’s grace. The glorious truth that Jesus’ death covers the terrible imperfections we all bear and still gives us this opportunity to become great. Yet God gave this grace to all disciples, so that is not the deciding factor in spiritual greatness. Only those who greatly desire and are willing to make the necessary sacrifices will ever reach these heights.
In the parable of the talents, Jesus spoke of disciples trading and making gain. In the parable of ten virgins the wise were prepared for greatness, but the foolish had not spent their time well and were unprepared. (Mt. 25:1-30). Paul spoke of his own intensity: “I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 3:14). To reach that goal, like all others seeking to win the race, he “buffeted his body and brought it into submission.” (1Cor 9:24ff).
The scope and magnitude of spiritual greatness towers far above any other pursuit. The kingdom of heaven offers far greater opportunities. Only in the gospel do we find the living hope transcending death. “Seeing all these things are to be dissolved, what manner of people ought you to be?” If we choose an earthly goal, no matter how great our success, we will still leave this life as naked as we entered, having brought nothing in, and unable to take anything out. (2Pet. 3:11; Job 1:21; 1Tim. 6: 7). Jesus promises far greater honor and glory than we could ever find here.
So where do we start? Peter gave a seven-step plan leading to an abundantly supplied entrance into the eternal kingdom (2Pet. 1:3-11). Jesus preached a sermon to reveal things by hearing and doing them, they allow us to build on a rock no storm or flood can move. Paul spoke of putting off the old man and putting on the new, presenting our bodies a living sacrifice and transform ourselves into vessels of mercy and glory. (Mt. 5-8; Eph. 4;17ff; Col. 3: 1ff; Rom. 12:1ff; 9:23).
With this motivation, the question His disciples asked is of immense import. “At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, ‘who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’” Jesus did not reply that there is no such position. Instead, He gave the path: “Truly I say to you, unless you turn and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” (Mt.18:1-5).
This was an unexpected answer, and the first time we hear it, it is perplexing. What is it about a little child that led Jesus to bring one into the midst of His disciples and tell them that both entrance into and greatness in the kingdom could only be found in the heart of that little child? This is a parable with a mystery well worth the time to unravel and understand.
It is evident that there are qualities existing in the heart of the child that are lost to us as we become adults. In a sense this is a welcome thought. At one time everything needed for greatness was within us. We only need to reconnect and rekindle them. Some of the emotions and attitudes we see in little children are more wholesome and better suited to growth and development in the kingdom of heaven than what we now possess as adults. Jesus revealed that the first step to greatness is to assess what we had as a child that we have lost as an adult.
Jesus tied it to humility so that is where we should begin our inquiry. Young children are untainted by cynicism, prejudice and bitterness, which have become the sad legacy of many as they became an adult. Psalms 131 describes these qualities in detail:
There are three basic and fundamental things revealed in this Psalm. First, we must assess the extent that pride has taken hold in our heart. Second, we must ponder our sense of self-sufficiency that we did not have as a child. Finally, we must consider the depth of our trust and acceptance of God’s power and wisdom that we had as a weaned child with our mother. We may or may not be able to remember these things, but we must gain them again to become great. Understanding and restoring these three things will help us to become like a little child again.
“Lord, my heart is not haughty, Nor my eyes lofty.” This is the true humility that must exist between us and God as our Creator. He is eternal and knows everything. In His presence, we have nothing to offer since “of Him and through Him and to Him are all things.” (Rom. 11:33). His life has no beginning and no end, while we are just a vapor appearing for a little while and vanishing. There is something healthy and good in this humility. As a little child we knew we were empty and needed to be filled. Such a humble and refreshing attitude now will allow God to fill us, leading to greatness.
Jeremiah saw this and built his life upon it: “O Lord, I know the way of man is not in himself; It is not in man who walks to direct his own steps.” (Jer. 10:23). When we can see, feel and understand this attitude, we return to our roots. Although Solomon was an adult, he still possessed the humility of a child. “You have made Your servant king instead of my father David, but I am a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in.” (1Kings 3:7). God was pleased with this attitude and blessed him. We must not underestimate the power of this humility. The instant we start thinking we have something to bring to God, we forever close the door to greatness. The Scriptures are littered with men and women who fell to this folly. As little children, all must: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.” (Pr. 3:5-6)
“Neither do I concern myself with great matters, Nor with things too profound for me.” Losing this is a great hindrance to true greatness. Even the most faithful of God’s servants have fallen by “thinking more highly than he ought to think.” (Rom 12:3). If Eve had trusted God and shielded herself with His command, she would have avoided Satan’s deception. This is the safety of not even wanting to go beyond the things that are written. (1Cor. 4:6).
We allow God to decide everything. We know “His ways and thoughts are higher than the heavens above ours,” and as Paul proclaimed, “How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!” (Isa. 55:8-9; Rom 11:33). His foolishness is greater than our greatest wisdom and His weakness stronger than our greatest strength. (1Cor 1:25). As little children we are content to let God rule, and make our role to submit, trust and obey. Armed with this heart of a little child, all our glory is in our knowledge of Him. “Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, Let not the mighty man glory in his might, Nor let the rich man glory in his riches; 24 But let him who glories glory in this, That he understands and knows Me.”
“Surely I have calmed and quieted my soul, Like a weaned child with his mother.” Though simple on many levels, this statement is also profound. This is how all of God’s greatest servants, placed into the most difficult positions safely passed through all tests. Job’s adversity and Jesus agony were endured because of this truth. This is exactly how Abraham offered Isaac, how David stood before Goliath, and how Shadrach, Meschach and Abed-nego had the courage to be cast into the fiery furnace. Their greatness came because they were calmed and quieted in their souls, just like a weaned child with his mother. “You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.” (Isa 26:3).
Conclusion. These are the first steps into greatness. Like all foundations, they can’t be done quickly or without great care, concern and thoroughness. Although every faithful Christian is walking the path leading to life, only those who do these things are also on the path to greatness.
For the devout Christian seeking spiritual greatness, nothing changes except the goals and challenges. Seeking first the kingdom, denying ourselves to follow Him, planning, preparing and then executing are the first steps of spiritual greatness. Passages like 1Cor. 4:10–15 and 2Tim. 2:20-22 speak of Christians who are seen by God as vessels of gold, silver and precious stones. The quest to change our intrinsic value from wood, clay or straw into a beautiful polished gem set in gold or silver is first based on God’s grace. The glorious truth that Jesus’ death covers the terrible imperfections we all bear and still gives us this opportunity to become great. Yet God gave this grace to all disciples, so that is not the deciding factor in spiritual greatness. Only those who greatly desire and are willing to make the necessary sacrifices will ever reach these heights.
In the parable of the talents, Jesus spoke of disciples trading and making gain. In the parable of ten virgins the wise were prepared for greatness, but the foolish had not spent their time well and were unprepared. (Mt. 25:1-30). Paul spoke of his own intensity: “I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 3:14). To reach that goal, like all others seeking to win the race, he “buffeted his body and brought it into submission.” (1Cor 9:24ff).
The scope and magnitude of spiritual greatness towers far above any other pursuit. The kingdom of heaven offers far greater opportunities. Only in the gospel do we find the living hope transcending death. “Seeing all these things are to be dissolved, what manner of people ought you to be?” If we choose an earthly goal, no matter how great our success, we will still leave this life as naked as we entered, having brought nothing in, and unable to take anything out. (2Pet. 3:11; Job 1:21; 1Tim. 6: 7). Jesus promises far greater honor and glory than we could ever find here.
So where do we start? Peter gave a seven-step plan leading to an abundantly supplied entrance into the eternal kingdom (2Pet. 1:3-11). Jesus preached a sermon to reveal things by hearing and doing them, they allow us to build on a rock no storm or flood can move. Paul spoke of putting off the old man and putting on the new, presenting our bodies a living sacrifice and transform ourselves into vessels of mercy and glory. (Mt. 5-8; Eph. 4;17ff; Col. 3: 1ff; Rom. 12:1ff; 9:23).
With this motivation, the question His disciples asked is of immense import. “At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, ‘who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’” Jesus did not reply that there is no such position. Instead, He gave the path: “Truly I say to you, unless you turn and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” (Mt.18:1-5).
This was an unexpected answer, and the first time we hear it, it is perplexing. What is it about a little child that led Jesus to bring one into the midst of His disciples and tell them that both entrance into and greatness in the kingdom could only be found in the heart of that little child? This is a parable with a mystery well worth the time to unravel and understand.
It is evident that there are qualities existing in the heart of the child that are lost to us as we become adults. In a sense this is a welcome thought. At one time everything needed for greatness was within us. We only need to reconnect and rekindle them. Some of the emotions and attitudes we see in little children are more wholesome and better suited to growth and development in the kingdom of heaven than what we now possess as adults. Jesus revealed that the first step to greatness is to assess what we had as a child that we have lost as an adult.
Jesus tied it to humility so that is where we should begin our inquiry. Young children are untainted by cynicism, prejudice and bitterness, which have become the sad legacy of many as they became an adult. Psalms 131 describes these qualities in detail:
- “Lord, my heart is not haughty, Nor my eyes lofty. Neither do I concern myself with great matters, Nor with things too profound for me. 2 Surely I have calmed and quieted my soul, Like a weaned child with his mother; Like a weaned child is my soul within me.”
There are three basic and fundamental things revealed in this Psalm. First, we must assess the extent that pride has taken hold in our heart. Second, we must ponder our sense of self-sufficiency that we did not have as a child. Finally, we must consider the depth of our trust and acceptance of God’s power and wisdom that we had as a weaned child with our mother. We may or may not be able to remember these things, but we must gain them again to become great. Understanding and restoring these three things will help us to become like a little child again.
“Lord, my heart is not haughty, Nor my eyes lofty.” This is the true humility that must exist between us and God as our Creator. He is eternal and knows everything. In His presence, we have nothing to offer since “of Him and through Him and to Him are all things.” (Rom. 11:33). His life has no beginning and no end, while we are just a vapor appearing for a little while and vanishing. There is something healthy and good in this humility. As a little child we knew we were empty and needed to be filled. Such a humble and refreshing attitude now will allow God to fill us, leading to greatness.
Jeremiah saw this and built his life upon it: “O Lord, I know the way of man is not in himself; It is not in man who walks to direct his own steps.” (Jer. 10:23). When we can see, feel and understand this attitude, we return to our roots. Although Solomon was an adult, he still possessed the humility of a child. “You have made Your servant king instead of my father David, but I am a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in.” (1Kings 3:7). God was pleased with this attitude and blessed him. We must not underestimate the power of this humility. The instant we start thinking we have something to bring to God, we forever close the door to greatness. The Scriptures are littered with men and women who fell to this folly. As little children, all must: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.” (Pr. 3:5-6)
“Neither do I concern myself with great matters, Nor with things too profound for me.” Losing this is a great hindrance to true greatness. Even the most faithful of God’s servants have fallen by “thinking more highly than he ought to think.” (Rom 12:3). If Eve had trusted God and shielded herself with His command, she would have avoided Satan’s deception. This is the safety of not even wanting to go beyond the things that are written. (1Cor. 4:6).
We allow God to decide everything. We know “His ways and thoughts are higher than the heavens above ours,” and as Paul proclaimed, “How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!” (Isa. 55:8-9; Rom 11:33). His foolishness is greater than our greatest wisdom and His weakness stronger than our greatest strength. (1Cor 1:25). As little children we are content to let God rule, and make our role to submit, trust and obey. Armed with this heart of a little child, all our glory is in our knowledge of Him. “Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, Let not the mighty man glory in his might, Nor let the rich man glory in his riches; 24 But let him who glories glory in this, That he understands and knows Me.”
“Surely I have calmed and quieted my soul, Like a weaned child with his mother.” Though simple on many levels, this statement is also profound. This is how all of God’s greatest servants, placed into the most difficult positions safely passed through all tests. Job’s adversity and Jesus agony were endured because of this truth. This is exactly how Abraham offered Isaac, how David stood before Goliath, and how Shadrach, Meschach and Abed-nego had the courage to be cast into the fiery furnace. Their greatness came because they were calmed and quieted in their souls, just like a weaned child with his mother. “You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.” (Isa 26:3).
Conclusion. These are the first steps into greatness. Like all foundations, they can’t be done quickly or without great care, concern and thoroughness. Although every faithful Christian is walking the path leading to life, only those who do these things are also on the path to greatness.