True Greatness.

     Jesus teaches us a lesson on true greatness in Matthew 18:1-10. Our human nature craves attention. In the flesh, we desire the praises of man. We often esteem ourselves more important than we ought, and in the process, we neglect those around us. This is how the world system runs. It is all about self. Everything is geared towards building up me and my little kingdom.
     Jesus tells us that if we would be truly great in His kingdom, we must humble ourselves as a little child (Matt 18:3-4). On another occasion, parents were bringing their children to Jesus so that He could bless them. The disciples were indignant, and rebuked them (Luke 18:15-18). The disciples no doubt, thought that Jesus had more important things to do, than to be bothered by little children. In their mindset children were insignificant. They had big things to do, important things, and could not waste time on something that they saw as insignificant.
     That is how it is in the adult world today as well. We tend to get busy, wrapped up in our pursuits, at the expense of those we consider insignificant.
     Jesus is telling us that if we would be truly great, we must become insignificant ourselves! We must become small in our own eyes. Just as the disciples despised the little ones coming to Jesus, we too must be willing to be despised by the world. It is not about us, our desires, our agendas, or our craving for attention and praise. Pride has got to go.
     James tells us that God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the Humble (James 4:5-10). He tells us that we must submit ourselves to God, humbling ourselves in His presence. Peter also tells us to submit to each other in humility, casting all of our care upon Him, because God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble (1 Peter 5:5-7). It takes humility to get along with each other. Where we fail is when we demand our way, and our rights. This is a huge reason why we see so much division, and so little power in many Churches today. 
     Paul exhorts us to empty ourselves of pride and selfish ambition. Instead, we are to put others first. We are called to look out for each other, meeting the needs of one another, instead of living merely for ourselves. We have the example of Jesus who emptied Himself for us, taking on humanity, being obedient to death (Philippians 2:2-8). We are called to unity as brothers and sisters in Christ. We share a common bond as those who worship the living God. We have a common goal in advancing the kingdom of God. Let us lay aside all pride and selfish ambition, and truly love one another through the Holy Spirit (Eph 4:2-3; Col 3:14). It is when we are walking in brotherly love in all humility, that we will see the presence and power of God at work in and work through us.