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Every Day Bible

How do you define greatness?

Some people think that becoming filthy rich makes us great. But Jesus said, “One’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” (Luke 12:15)

Other people feel greatness belongs to the mature, the educated, and the brilliant. But Jesus said that “Unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 28:3)

Maybe you think attaining a position of significance by climbing the career ladder will make you great. But Jesus said, “those who humble themselves will be exalted.” (Matthew 23:12)

A lot of men think that strength gives greatness. But the Bible says, “When I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:9-11)

The philosophers would have said that wisdom makes a person great. But the Bible says, “the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God.” (1 Corinthians 3:19)

Having a long resume with a list of great accomplishments and great abilities makes a lot of people feel great. But Jesus said that the widow who only had a penny to give was the greater giver. (Luke 21:1-4)

Perhaps ambition will get us where we want to go. If we fight hard, work hard, and study hard, maybe we can reach the top. But Jesus said that “the last will be first.” (Matthew 20:16)

How do you define greatness? No one has ever lived a greater life than Jesus of Nazareth, and his definition of greatness is unlike the one we hear every day. He said that greatness came through humble service, faithful obedience, childlike trust, sacrificial generosity, and simple faith. May we aspire to his definition of greatness!