Over the holidays, I read a few chapters of a book called, Speeches That Changed the World. The speeches in the book were moving and powerful. They were delivered by people who had great influence and made great changes in the world. The book made me think about greatness. It is so easy to think that being great is something that only a few can achieve and that it is about being famous, having your name in a book or earning recognition.

Jesus tells us not to mistake fame for true greatness. In Mark Chapter 10, Jesus tells his disciples about greatness.

⁴²Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. ⁴³Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, ⁴⁴and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. ⁴⁵For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Jesus says true greatness is not the recognition of the world. True greatness is humbly serving others. The perfect example of this sacrificial greatness is Jesus. In a wonderful, mind-blowing act of service, Jesus died on the cross to pay for our rebellion against the One who made us. Jesus humbles himself so we can live the life we were designed for – a life with a relationship with God.

I encourage you to seek greatness in God’s kingdom above all else. To be reconciled to God. To seek greatness in his eyes because, in the end, it is only his opinion that really counts. Let today mark the beginning of a whole life lived in the service of others. Let greatness in God’s kingdom be the compass that sets your course.