There has been much talk in the UK recently about the need to make Britain ‘great’ again.
Every time I hear the word ‘great’, I am reminded of how radically different God’s definition of greatness is compared to ours.
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‘Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.’ (Matthew 18:3-4)
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‘You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.’ (Matt 20:25-28)
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‘The greatest among you will be your servant. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.‘ (Matt 23:11-12, see also Mark 10:43)
Isaiah’s vision of the suffering servant (Is 52:13-53:12) and Paul’s description of Jesus’ exaltation through humility (Phil 2:5-11) are further illustrations that greatness in God’s eyes comes through humility, service and selflessness. It does not come through pride, arrogance, boasting, money or influence.
Prov 14:34 reminds us that ‘righteousness exalts a nation.’ We need to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness (Matt 6:33) as we pray for our nation and the world and for those in authority and power, understanding that Christians belong to a topsy-turvy, upside-down kingdom first and foremost.
