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Truths to Live By - One Day at a Time
Devotional: November 14th

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“Whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; and whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant.”

There are two kinds of greatness in the New Testament and it is helpful to distinguish them. There is a greatness associated with one’s position and another greatness linked with one’s personal character.

In speaking of John the Baptist, Jesus said that there was no greater prophet than he. Here the Savior was speaking about the greatness of John’s position. No other prophet had the privilege of being the forerunner of the Messiah. It does not mean that John had a better character than any of the Old Testament prophets, but only that his was the unique assignment of introducing the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.

In HYPERLINK "javascript:" , Jesus said to the disciples, “My Father is greater than I.” Did He mean that His Father was greater personally? No, because all members of the Godhead are equal. He meant that the Father was enthroned in heavenly glory whereas He Himself was being despised and rejected by men on earth. The disciples should have rejoiced to know that Jesus was going back to the Father because then He would have the same glorious position as the Father.

All believers enjoy a great position by reason of their identification with the Lord Jesus. They are sons of God, heirs of God and joint heirs with Jesus Christ.

But then the New Testament also speaks of personal greatness. For instance, in HYPERLINK "javascript:" , Jesus said, “Whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; and whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant.” The greatness here is a greatness of personal character, demonstrated by a life of service to others.

Most men of the world are interested only in greatness as far as their position is concerned. The Lord Jesus referred to this when he said, “The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors” (Lu. 22:25). But as far as their personal character is concerned, they may be utterly devoid of greatness. They may be adulterers, embezzlers and alcoholics.

The Christian realizes that positional greatness without greatness of character is worthless. It’s what’s inside a person that counts. The fruit of the Spirit is more important than a high place on the corporate ladder. It’s better to be listed among the saints than among the stars.

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