Greatness

In a book I am currently reading ("The Final Quest" by Rick Joyner), a man was given a vision of heaven where he met two groups of people there - the least in the Kingdom and the greatest in the Kingdom. He was shocked at how many greatly renowned preachers, speakers, singers, and authors were considered least in the Kingdom, while many of the lowliest on Earth were considered great in the Kingdom.

It is true that the lowest in Heaven had made a mark on the world. They had influenced many lives for the better and done many incredible things for God. So why were they considered lowly in Heaven? Their greatest shortcoming was their pride. Not only were they self-righteous, but many of their deeds (as good as they might have been) were self-seeking, to bring themselves renown and honor. Although they didn't realize it, while their deeds might have been good, their motives were not.

So what exactly is greatness in God's eyes? It seems like whenever I, as a human, think of greatness, I think of it as fame or something else that is noticeable by others. But I realize that, while there is certainly nothing wrong with being famous or known for your work, that isn't what greatness truly is. God's definition of greatness is so much different:

"Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.” ~ Mark 9:35

Greatness is a life of humility and selflessness.. a life where I have completely died to myself and live fully for Christ. It is a life where I consider others better than myself and where every accomplishment is credited to God.

It's hard. We can't do it on our own without His grace. It's the truth. Moreover, we don't always recognize the areas in which we fall short. It's easy to be prideful and not even realize it. Since were are not able to fully and accurately judge ourselves, what must we do?

"[Pray] for the Lord to judge you severely and correct you ruthlessly, so you [can] serve him more perfectly"

That has been my prayer of late - that the Lord will search my heart and make it right. That He will test me and try me so I may be pure as gold. That He will continue to mold me into the image of Jesus - hands down the perfect example of greatness... the only one truly great.