ICS Daily Devotions
True Greatness is to be the Least One
Luke 9:46-48 Then a dispute arose among them as to which of them would be greatest. 47 And Jesus, perceiving the thought of their heart, took a little child and set him by Him, 48 and said to them, “Whoever receives this little child in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me receives Him who sent Me. For he who is least among you all will be great.”
The world defines greatness based on our accolades, our possessions, our net worth, and so forth. In the eyes of our Creator, the definition of greatness is to be the least one in the Kingdom of God.
One day several of Jesus’ disciples were disputing among themselves as to who was the greatest among them. They were vying for the top spot on God’s list! In their heated discussion, they missed the core message of Christ’s love for man. Jesus did not rebuke them for their desire to be great because desiring to be great is excellent when we understand what true greatness is in the eyes of God. He did not scold them for their unrighteous desire. Instead, He illustrated by receiving a little child which implies that our attitudes should be like children. They don’t care about status; they rely on their parents to learn and grow, and they seek approval from them before they make their next move. However, to be like children doesn’t mean we should act childish. Overall, we need to depend on our Heavenly Father as we live for Him and let him direct our paths.
Spiritually speaking we are all seated beside Christ far above principalities and power, dominion and might. We cannot go any higher than this position and it is graciously given to us by God!
Matthew 6:19-21 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon the earth, where moth and rust consume, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth consume, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: for where thy treasure is, there will thy heart be also.
We cannot be searching for greatness in God’s Kingdom while searching for greatness in this world. To make matters worse, we might use the world’s definition to determine what greatness is. When we identify greatness according to what we have and own in this world, then we will be piling up treasures on this earth. We would think that happiness and the feeling of greatness are found in the material things and the position we hold in society.
1 Cor 3:13-14 Each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is.14 If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward.
Galatians 6:3 For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.
A servant’s heart must have the correct focus in life. There will be those who appoint themselves to a certain position or promote themselves. It is empty and in vain. It is not from God. The acid test that will bring about God’s promotion is faithfulness.
If we have our heart focused on storing up heavenly treasures and receiving rewards in heaven, then we will live our lives intentionally for the Lord – we will be seen as great in God’s eyes. We step out to serve God according to God’s plan for us, even though our role may seem insignificant; however, in God’s Kingdom and through our loving Creator’s eyes, He sees us as great and accomplishing the plans that are dear to His heart. Living intentionally for the Lord, and following God’s plan can only be good and blessed!
Jesus told us in His word that all earthly treasures will be consumed by rust and moth. Earthly wealth and treasures can be taken away in a blink of an eye. The high achievers feel insecure because they are concerned that people are plotting against them to take over their position! It’s miserable!
God’s path to greatness will deal with our character in the aspect of humility, faithfulness, patience and lifestyle. We love Him because He first loved us and love has a corresponding action. You may feel insignificant, weak, being despised and even non-existent to the world, but God has empowered you through the gifts and talents He has given to you to contribute in the Body of Christ. Jesus reminds us that seeking after the treasures in heaven is done by living a purpose-driven life and by humbly serving Him as the least one with our gifts.
Sermon Series: How to be Great in God’s Kingdom – The Heart of a Servant
