In God's kingdom, service to God and others (not power or title) is greatness.
I've been thankful for every opportunity to share the Gospel on major media, sing before world leaders, and experience audiences of thousands. But absolutely nothing compares to Christ. To be frank, the non-Christian people I've met in green rooms have been just as unhappy as non-Christians whom I've met when visiting those in homeless situations.
The outward conditions do not determine inward conditions. If they don't know Jesus, they're lost and empty. But, regardless of outward conditions, those who know Jesus experience resilience and unshakeable hope! It's amazing!
You see, God sees things perfectly and totally differently than what humans view through the lens produced by the world's systems. People think fame, power, money, title, or office define success. Yet God sees service, when done out of love for God and neighbor, to be greatness.
Perhaps the Lord is calling you to Himself today in a similar way that He called the disciples over to Himself in Matthew 20:25-28 (ESV): "But Jesus called them to him and said, 'You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many'" (Matthew 20:25-28).
Did you notice how our Lord Jesus noted the way that the rulers would "lord it over them"? What a contrast to the loving leading by our Lord Jesus! The world system taunts, takes, and torments those who conform to it. Yet our Lord loves, leads, and lifts us so that we can be complete in Him. Hallelujah!
It's real. When we pattern our lives in accordance with our Lord Jesus Christ, we experience deep joy, unshakeable purpose, and profound peace. But it's up to each of us to look up to Jesus Christ as personal Savior and Lord. Everyone must repent from sin. When we repent and receive Christ, we win here and hereafter! When we know Him, we know we are God's children and co-heirs with Christ! Think of it! That infinitely and eternally exceeds anything this crazy sin-infested world temporarily offers.
Today, do you hear His still, small voice calling you close to Himself as you read His Word? Listen. Lovingly obey. And you'll glisten with great joy for His glory! Take God's Word to heart: "And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever" (Daniel 12:3).
