The football teams line up and run the play. The defensive player makes the tackle, taking down the running back. What does he then do? He struts several yards, arms thrust in the air, yelling about how great he is. This happens over and over in just about any game. And when the camera sweeps the stands of fans, you see index fingers pointing to the sky—We’re No. 1!
It’s all about greatness. The toughest, the fastest, the strongest must be the greatest, right? Though most would agree, the Bible defines greatness in a different way.
What the Bible says …
John the Baptist possessed a dynamic personality. The brief glimpse we have of him in the New Testament pictures a man driven by a passion for God. The Gospel of Luke states his popularity was such that many considered him to be the chosen one: “The people were waiting expectantly and were all wondering in their hearts if John might possibly be the Christ” (v. 15).
John easily could have been overcome with visions of greatness. Note his reply to those who sought to put him on a very lofty pedestal: “I baptize you with water. But one more powerful than I will come, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire” (v. 16).
I believe John’s followers greatly outnumbered those of Jesus. He had spent years preparing and his success was visible to all. John could have considered his efforts on behalf of God and reasoned that he should continue to gather disciples. His preaching and teaching caused people to turn back to God. Perhaps he was the chosen one.
Imagine John standing in front of a crowd, who hung upon his every word, and saying: “See that man who is walking this way? I want you to stop following me and begin walking with him. Listen to him and obey him. He must increase and I must become less important. He is the One.” This was John’s message.
Did John’s followers take his counsel seriously? The Gospel of John tells us they did: “Again the next day, John was standing with two of his disciples, and he looked at Jesus as he walked, and said, ‘Behold, the Lamb of God!’ The two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus” (John 1:35-37). One of these two disciples was a man named Andrew. He had a brother named Simon Peter. Andrew and Peter followed Jesus as part of the Lord’s inner circle of disciples. Andrew became a follower of Jesus because John insisted his disciple do so.
A good definition of humility is “strength under control.” When a wild charger stallion is “broken,” the horse is no weaker. He is as strong as before, but now his power is under the control of the rider. Likewise, was John a weaker person due to his submission to Jesus? No. I believe he modeled humility in its finest form. John’s strength was under God’s control.
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What the Bible means to me today …
God does not honor greatness as we define it. He honors those who submit, those who humble themselves, those who serve others.
The Bible speaks of many things that we cannot do for ourselves. We cannot save ourselves. We cannot do the work of God operating on our own power. We cannot create lasting change in the lives of people. Only God can do these things.
But the Bible tells us to “humble ourselves.” In almost every instance where humility is commanded, the action is to be initiated by the person. Of course, I can pray for God to work in my life, but when I pray, “God humble me,” God may well respond with “my child, humble yourself.”
Of all the things we want to do for God, why is it that we refuse to humble ourselves? Jesus made it very clear his way was different from what we logically expect. If one wants to be first, he must go to the back of the line (Mark 10:31). If one wants to be great in God’s kingdom, he must be the servant of all (Mark 10:43). If one desires to live, he must first die (John 12:24). God reverses many things. What we expect to see and hear is not what we receive.
Are you filled with visions of greatness? Do you think you are being overlooked, not getting the credit and attention you deserve? Are there areas of your life where the answer is to humble yourself?
At home. When tension builds over any number of domestic issues, put your family first. Look after their interests and you will be blessed.
At work. You can succeed and reach your goals and still be a person who encourages others. If a coworker has a better idea than you, support and work with that person.
At church. If there is a place where we should model what it means to serve one another, it’s here. Yet, at times, more competition exists in the church or between churches, than on the ballfield. Instead of pumping fists, let us serve one another, encourage one another, pray for one another, and minister to one another. Such methods worked for John and they can work for us as well.
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