Much of what motivates people in life is a desire for two
things: Power and Position. It can similarly be described as a quest
for greatness. When it comes to this topic of discussion we can, as Christians,
make some mistakes in responding to this very real human dynamic. Firstly we
can falsely assume that God is not interested in greatness and we live
according to the deceitful assertion that under-achieving is ok and that God
loves mediocre. On the other hand we can mistakenly follow the example of the
world and do everything in our power to put ourselves first, in a race to
accumulate the most possessions or to entrench ourselves in a role or position
that commands respect and obedience.
The first disciples of Jesus struggled with this same issue,
and it became a point of division for the men Jesus had chosen, as Luke 9v46
says, “An argument started among the disciples as to which of them would be the
greatest.” But Jesus’ response was not to say greatness was wrong, but rather
that these disciples had a wrong understanding of true greatness.
The same issue comes up for the disciples later in the same
gospel (Luke 22:24) and Jesus draws a sharp distinction between Godly greatness
and greatness that the world chases after. Over against pride and position,
Jesus points out that humility is a sign of greatness to God. And over against
power and authority that lords over others, Jesus magnifies selfless service of
others as a sign of greatness. The greatest truth we may come to know as Christ
followers is that God wants us to walk in greatness; He does want us to have
influence and operate in His power and authority. It’s just that it looks
different to what most people expect. The position we enjoy as God’s
children allows us to humbly serve others in our God given capacity, just as
Jesus did, taking every opportunity to let God be seen in us as we live to
magnify His name in everything we do. The power we exercise as members of
God’s holy household is not seen in putting people down but in speaking life
and blessing into those God privileges us to influence; influence for good as
we encourage those around us to desire a greatness that aligns with Godliness.
No comments:
Post a Comment