Whoever is the Greatest

God has built into every human heart the desire to succeed at whatever we do. This is part of our humanity; to want to succeed. However, Jesus explains to His disciples the true way to greatness. “It is not by seeking to be first,” He said. “It is by a willingness to be last. It is not by getting people to serve you; it is by becoming a servant of all.”There are two kinds of ambition. There is the ambition to be approved and applauded by people, and the ambition to be approved and applauded by God. There are those who want to gain fame and attention and influence and power. The measurement of the ambition to be great before people is always “How many serve me? How much power do I exercise over others? How wide is the extent of my influence?” Who of us has not suffered many times from this desire to be known, to be admired, to be considered great? But Jesus points out that true greatness is never found there. The measure of true greatness is “How many do I serve? How many can I help?” This is the mark of greatness in the eyes of God. Christianity is a radical faith! It is exactly the opposite of the natural instincts of the heart. Our natural inclinations will get us deeper and deeper into trouble. Though we may achieve a form of greatness in the eyes of people, it will turn into cobwebs and ashes in our hands. Teach me the meaning of these words in the depths of my heart. Help me to strive for that greatness that will shine throughout eternity. What does Jesus teach as a radically different criterion for greatness and power? Do our lives reflect a growing understanding and application of His teaching & example?