What does being great in the Kingdom of God mean? The world has a different definition of greatness compared to what God thinks. I remember when I was a young man, and the president of our corporation visited our facility. This man represented greatness because of his position and authority from a worldly perspective.
The world says true greatness is about power and money, but true greatness in God’s Kingdom begins with faith that brings transformation. As the Lord transforms our hearts, we discover what true greatness is. A person who once thought it was essential that others serve him is transformed into someone who enjoys helping others.
Great Now, but Least Important Later
Jesus and His disciples encountered a wealthy young man concerned about eternal life. When Jesus challenged him to give his money to the poor and come and follow Him, he went away sad. He could not give up his riches for the greater good of following Jesus. Then Jesus gave them insight from God’s perspective on what true greatness is.
Mark 10:31 But many who are the greatest now will be least important then, and those who seem least important now will be the greatest then.” [1] Jesus explained that the values and what is important in this world will be reversed in heaven. We are to follow Jesus, serve in humility, and not be concerned about what type of reward we will receive. Rewards in heaven are not based on earthly standards.
Great in the Kingdom of God
I recently read the book called “The Hiding Place.” During WWII, Betsy and Corie Ten Boom were caught hiding Jews and imprisoned. There they continually looked to how they could serve God in unpleasant surroundings. They constantly gave of themselves for the sake of sharing what they had. They were a brilliant light amid the darkness. How many people are in heaven today because of these two women’s sacrifices? They could have just thought about themselves, but they did not. They let their love of Jesus flow out from themselves like a mighty river. This story is about what it is to be great in the Kingdom of God.
Where there was hopelessness, there was now hope. Where there was hate, there was now love. They indeed modeled the love and forgiveness of Jesus. Long after they have gone to heaven, their life story inspires people worldwide to let their light shine. This indeed is true greatness. Jesus encourages us to love one another. John 13:34 So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. 35 Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.[2]
To learn more about being great in the Kingdom of God, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/mark-when-riches-rob-you-of-jesus
[1] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Mk 10:31). Tyndale House Publishers.
[2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Jn 13:34–35). Tyndale House Publishers.