GREATNESS IN GOD’S EYES|Life Is Not About The Results We Want

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How can a minister or servant of God be great in the eyes of God, be filled with the Holy Spirit before birth, turn many to God, be with the spirit and power of Elijah and preparing the coming of Jesus Christ WITHOUT;

– a ministry or church building

– a wife and children

– earthly connections

– nice clothes, mansions or five-star hotel reservations

– serving for many years

– a business

– a successor

– living a long life

– performing a single miracle

After only six months of ministry and his disciples leaving him to follow Christ, he was beheaded for denouncing the adultery of his killer. He was about 30 years old.

Of him Jesus said;

“I tell you the truth, of all who have ever lived, none is greater than John the Baptist. Yet even the least person in the Kingdom of Heaven is greater than he is!” (Matthew 11:11 NLT)

He was greater than Abraham, Moses, Elijah, David, Solomon and many others in the Old Testament yet he lived as he did.

He was filled with joy for the success of Christ and said, “He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less.” (John 3:29-30)

How would you like to be John the Baptist in your generation? How does this example change the way you view life and ministry?

Jesus says if you’re in God’s Kingdom you’re greater than John the Baptist.

How come?

Because in the New Testament, we were bought with the price of Christ’s death to become God’s beloved children. How do you view greatness based on the life of John?

The world views success in terms of physical beauty, financial status, popularity, possessions, academic papers and social connections among others.

Jesus said, “…What this world honors is detestable in the sight of God.” (Luke 16:15)

He also said, “Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own.” (Luke 12:15)

As you can see, God’s ways are not our ways and His thoughts, not our thoughts. (Isaiah 55:8-9)

May God forgive us for making greatness and success all about us.

God’s view of greatness is obedience to His Word and faithfulness in the tasks or roles He has assigned us. The results and rewards are His to determine not ours to demand.

King Solomon experienced greatness in all its forms – pleasure, possessions, popularity, papers, power – but it was all meaningless and chasing after the wind. Toward the end of his life he wrote;

“That’s the whole story. Here now is my final conclusion: Fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone’s duty.  God will judge us for everything we do, including every secret thing, whether good or bad.” (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14)

As Christians, let us work hard to complete God’s assignments in our generation no matter our expectations or those of others and no matter the results. It’s enough that our lives are hidden in God, we’re His children, we’re vessels for His glory on earth and we await His reward in the next life.

Shalom.

Thank you for reading this article. I welcome your comments and questions – as iron sharpens iron, let’s sharpen each other.

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Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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