As a young Christian, I was taught that we were "to do great things for God."  I understood the emphasis to mean that I was to draw attention to myself , then I would be more effective in winning people to Christ.  But in this passage, and in many other places in Scripture, Jesus stresses that greatness in God's eyes comes through humility, submission and obedience to the commands of God for His glory and He will draw all men to Himself.  Yes, we are to "let our light so shine before men that they would see our good deeds" (Matt.5: 16); but, it was not so people will notice us, it is so they  will "praise our Father in heaven." 

That ungodly misconception was present in Jesus' day (See Matthew 20:20-28; Luke 9:46-48; and, John 7:3-7).  They thought that popularity with people, political power and wealth were the evidence of greatness.  And, sadly, much of today's Christian churches have gone Hollywood, often times misleading people into believing that fame and wealth are proof of spiritual greatness.  Jesus continually corrected them with instructions for self-denial and humble service. 

If any person has an Achilles heal, it is in the area of seeking man's pleasure and approval over God's pleasure and rewards.  We are guilty of measuring each others success by outward appearances, charisma, persuasive speech, number of followers and amount of possessions.  We can pridefully think we can determine another's value by what pleases us.  To God that is utter foolishness and depraved , futile thinking, since He holds the standard for greatness in His hands and He has the final say on who is "great" and who is "least."  So whatever we do, we must consider doing it according to God's standard.  It works out better for all of us in the end.  Think about it.


Categories: forgiveness