I was on Russell Okung’s Twitter site today (Okung plays left tackle for the Seattle Seahawks) and came across this from Tera Carissa Hodges.
God told Abraham I will make your name GREAT, while in Matthew 4, satan didn’t offer Jesus greatness, he offered Him fame.
You know, I just never thought about it that way, but it’s true. What a difference there is between fame and greatness. And it just struck me. It struck me as one of the most on target statements I’ve heard in a long time. It’s on target for a culture that craves fame.
Jesus didn’t seek fame. Many times after a miracle he gave strict instructions to the person healed, not to tell anyone. He lost many followers when he gave his teaching on eating his body, the bread of life, and drinking his blood. (Mark 7:36, Matthew 8:4, John Chapter 6)
Jesus’ focus was on loving his Father and loving people. And Jesus’ priority was pleasing his Father, without regard for the opinions of people, and without regard for fame.
And he was truly great. The greatest we’ll ever see.
A dispute arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest. Jesus said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves. Luke 22:24-27
This article is off to a great start! I really want more though.
What does it mean to be great?
Why should I focus on greatness and not fame?
What does greatness from God entail?
How do I become great?
What are the pros and cons of being great?
I felt like the headline and intro reeled me in then left me hanging, gasping for more. Would you please expand on this?
Okay, those are great questions. You present a great challenge John. I think the answers to all of your questions are found in a person. If you really want to see what it means to be great, study Jesus. If you want to know what greatness from God entails, look at the life of Jesus. If you want to become great, ask God to fill you with Jesus. The pro of being great is it pleases God. The cons are personal sacrifice. As far as why we should focus on greatness and not fame I would pose the question: Do we ever see God pleased with anyone in scripture who seeks their own glory?
I hope this helps. If you want to learn more you can read the Love Like Jesus series of posts on God Running, and even more important than that, pray for God’s instruction then read the gospels.
Great questions John. Thank you.