How do you define greatness?

[mominbolt]

How do I define greatness? Well I'd have to go back to another journal post of mine... http://www.cafemom.com/journals/read/1427663/He_s_not_too_heavy

In Mark chapter 9 verse 33 Jesus askes the diciples what they were arguing about while walking down the road right behind of Him... "But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest"(v34) among the 12.

Jesus sits down as if to assume a humble posture. The disciples lean forward to hear the Master's insight. It is blistering in its simplicity. They are concerned with being the greatest, when they should be vying to become the lease. In fact, they should aspire not tward greatness, but toward servanthood. The disciples are seeking to be served, rather than to serve, and Jesus offers the necessary corrective.

"And He took a child, and set him in the midst of them: and when he had taken him in his arms, he said unto them,  Whosoever shall recieve one of such children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth not me, but theat sent me: (Mark 9:36-37)

In Jesus' day, children were often considered expendable due to their economic drain and their lack of productivity. In Jesus' worldview, nothing was more sacred than serving a child. In fact, this is one of the few places in Mark where Jesus offers a direct connection with the Father. This is not to say that Mark does not consider Jesus the perfect reflection of the Father, he does. But it is significant that Mark underscores  the importance of serving the lease privileged as a means of connecting with both Christ and the Father.
(The above is exempt from my church commentary, Evangelical Sunday School Lesson Commentary)

"Even I, the Son of Man, came here not to be served but to serve others, and to gave my life as a ransom for many." _Matthew 20:28

"Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time." - 1Peter 5:6

You see...My definition of "Greatness" is not power, riches, status...ect. But "Greatness" to me is humility. Those who do God's work without a thought about getting ahead or stepping on people to get to the top. THAT to me is greatness!

"For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted." -Matthew 23:12

[moomers]

Mar. 31, 2009 at 9:29 AM

Thanks---I like the way you interpret greatness.