So, you want to be great

In a world obsessed with status, power, and recognition, the concept of true greatness often gets distorted. We're bombarded with messages telling us that to be great, we must climb to the top, outshine others, and accumulate accolades. But what if everything we thought we knew about greatness was turned upside down?

Let's explore a radical perspective on greatness – one that challenges our conventional wisdom and invites us to see things through a different lens.

The Heart of Greatness

At its core, true greatness isn't about position, prestige, or power. It's about service, humility, and a willingness to put others before ourselves. This flies in the face of our natural inclinations. We often want to be served rather than to serve, to be recognized rather than to work behind the scenes.

Consider this profound statement: "Whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave." These words flip our understanding of greatness on its head. They challenge us to reconsider what we're truly pursuing in life.

The Trap of Self-Centeredness

One of the biggest obstacles to true greatness is making life all about ourselves. It's easy to fall into this trap, constantly asking, "What's in it for me?" or "How will this benefit me?" But this self-centered approach leads us down a path that ultimately leaves us feeling empty and unfulfilled.

Instead, we're called to make our lives about something greater than ourselves. When we shift our focus from self-promotion to serving others and advancing a higher purpose, we paradoxically find the greatness we've been seeking all along.

Embracing God's Truth, Not Our Own

Another key to greatness lies in embracing truth – not the truth we want to be, but the truth that actually is. We often believe things because we want them to be true, not because they are true. This can lead us down paths of delusion and disappointment.

The challenge is to align ourselves with reality as it truly is, even when it's uncomfortable or doesn't match our preferences. This requires humility and a willingness to let go of our preconceptions. When we do this, we open ourselves up to growth, wisdom, and a deeper understanding of life and our place in it.

The Power of Persistent Faith

Greatness also manifests through persistent faith. The story of two blind men crying out for healing illustrates this beautifully. Despite being told to be quiet by the crowd, they persisted in their cries for mercy. Their faith and determination led to their healing.

This teaches us that true greatness isn't found in pretending we don't need help, but in persistently crying out to the one who can truly help us. It's about recognizing our limitations and being willing to ask for assistance, both from God and from others.

Serving: The Path to True Greatness

Perhaps the most counterintuitive aspect of greatness is that it's found in serving others. In a world that often glorifies being served, we're called to a different standard. "The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many."

This challenges us to look for opportunities to serve rather than seeking recognition. It means being willing to do the unglamorous work, to wash feet (metaphorically or literally), and to put the needs of others ahead of our own comfort.

Reflections on Grace and Generosity

The parable of the vineyard workers offers a powerful lesson on grace and generosity. In this story, workers hired at different times all receive the same wage, much to the dismay of those who worked longer. This challenges our notions of fairness and merit.

The landowner's response is telling: "Don't I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous?" This invites us to examine our own hearts. Are we truly grateful for what we've received, or are we constantly comparing ourselves to others and feeling shortchanged?

Living Out True Greatness

So how do we live out this upside-down version of greatness in our daily lives? Here are a few practical suggestions:

1. Look for opportunities to serve others, especially in ways that don't bring recognition.
2. Practice humility by being willing to learn from others and admit when you're wrong.
3. Align your life with truth, even when it's uncomfortable.
4. Persist in faith, both in your relationship with God and in pursuing worthy goals.
5. Cultivate gratitude for what you have rather than focusing on what you lack.
6. Shift your focus from self-promotion to promoting the good of others and advancing a higher purpose.

The Ultimate Example

As we contemplate this radical view of greatness, we're reminded of the ultimate example – Jesus Christ. He, who had every right to be served, chose instead to serve. He demonstrated the epitome of greatness through His sacrificial love, humility, and willingness to give His life for others.

This example challenges us to reconsider our own pursuits and motivations. Are we striving for a greatness that will ultimately leave us empty, or are we pursuing the kind of greatness that brings true fulfillment and makes a lasting impact on the world around us?

In conclusion, true greatness isn't about rising above others, but about lifting others up. It's not found in accumulating power, but in empowering others. It's not about being served, but about serving with joy and humility. As we embrace this paradoxical path to greatness, we may find that we're transformed in the process, becoming more compassionate, more fulfilled, and more aligned with our true purpose.

Let's challenge ourselves to pursue this kind of greatness – the kind that doesn't just change our status, but changes our hearts and the world around us.