Hardly a day goes by without hearing someone speak about someone being great. It is an over-worked word, in my opinion. Lest we make that mistake,we would do well to make sure we understand its meaning. Perhaps the first thing we need to consider is that greatness cannot be given, it must be gained rather than granted. Having a high position, great possessions, much popularity, or mighty power doesn’t make a person great. The greatest among us are those who serve, not those who are served. Great people long to be a blessing rather than being blessed. They want to lend a hand, instead of looking for a handout or getting a hand of applause.
Greatness has nothing to do with slam-dunks, touchdowns, home runs, hit records, movies, and money. You don’t have to be among the rich and famous, or in the Hall of Fame to be great. Great people are concerned about glorifying God rather than gratifying self. They put the needs of others ahead of their own. They leave their comfort zone to make life more comfortable for others. They have the courage to put themselves at risk to keep others safe. They have the compassion to do without so others won’t have to be deprived.
Winston Churchill said, ” The price of greatness is responsibility“. He was right. The great person is devoted to duty— regardless of the difficulties. He gives great attention to little things. He does ordinary thing extraordinarily well— so much as he is able to do. Taking Jesus as the model for his ministry he does what Jesus did—those things that please the Father.
