Kingdom Greatness - Standouts (Part 3)

All the right stuff

I recently read that Lionel Messi, a forward on team Argentina, is the greatest soccer player. Not just on that team, or even in our day. He is the greatest soccer player ever.

I’m not able to evaluate that statement, but I’m sure it has to do with some attributes and skills that stand out above all others. Evidently, Messi’s play is always outstanding. He stands out among his colleagues and peers as the best total overall package of skills, mentality, teamwork, scoring, and I-don’t-know-what-all of anyone who ever played the game.

Sort of like Jesus and His Kingdom. Except that Jesus wants us all to be great in His Kingdom by focusing all our desires, priorities, and life on Him. We can all be great, great in our own sphere and calling, because Kingdom greatness—which I suspect is more lasting and desirable than soccer greatness—is the right and heritage of all who believe in Jesus.

And the more we acquire the right stuff of that Kingdom, the greater—and the more like Jesus—we will become.

Begin here

The right stuff for greatness in the Kingdom of God begins with humility. Matthew explains (Matt. 18.1-5): “At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, ‘Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’ Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and said, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me.’”

We recall the late great boxing champ Muhammad Ali never tired of proclaiming to the world, “I am the greatest.” And he may have been, but all his boasting, bragging, taunting ways are the exact opposite of what Jesus requires for greatness in His Kingdom. We must become like a child so that we can begin to learn Jesus. We must stop thinking we know all the answers, have figured out the best ways, or should just rely on ourselves to make our way in life. Such “boasting” in oneself will keep you from entering the Kingdom of God, much less beginning to realize greatness there.

Do a humility check: Do think more about others than yourself? Do you seek ways to serve others with words and deeds? Are you willing to be inconvenienced to help a friend or your wife? And do you reflect throughout the day on Jesus? Do you see Him humbled to come among us? Reaching out to heal and bless? Denying Himself so that we might live?

Since our King is so full of humility to save and bless us, we must study humility as well, and increase in it, so that we may improve toward greatness in the Kingdom.

Three other virtues

In addition to humility, three other virtues—present and increasing—define one who is great in the Kingdom of God.

First, Kingdom character. The character of the Kingdom, Paul tells us, is righteousness; and righteousness leads to peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. As we increase in these, we will stand out as Kingdom citizens and ambassadors, which will open more opportunities for us to serve others in Jesus’ Name.

Second, Kingdom fruit. The fruit of the Kingdom is grace, overflowing from us like rivers of living water to refresh and renew the people around us (Jn. 7.37-39). This only makes sense, since our King is the King of grace and His realm is gracious throughout. And, as we have seen, grace is power issuing from us to touch others with the love and encouragement of God.

Finally, Kingdom power. Paul said the Kingdom of God does not consist in words but in power. Power to change us increasingly into the likeness of Jesus. To embolden us for witness. To resist the devil and every temptation. To proclaim the Kingdom and encourage others to seek it.

But all these glorious virtues of Kingdom greatness begin in humility, are sustained by humility, and circle back to humility so that Christ, not us, gets all the glory and honor and praise for as many standout attributes and works as may come forth in us.

We are called to Kingdom greatness. Let us humble ourselves and bend to the task of seeking, knowing, and increasing in the greatest greatness any of us can ever know, Kingdom greatness, right where we are.

T. M. Moore