I think Pastor John Stott gave us the answer on how to measure greatness when he said: “Greatness in the kingdom of God is measured in terms of obedience.”1
I believe that everyone of us can become great in the eyes of the Lord no matter how rich or poor we are, no matter what gifts God has given us, and no matter our station in life.
Simply put God measures greatness in terms of our faithfulness and our obedience. If we are faithful in whatever gifts God has given us then God will use us greatly to advance His kingdom here on earth. And if we obey His Word and carry out His will we will reap a rich harvest and enjoy a wonderful relationship with the Lord. For you see God doesn’t measure greatness and success based on the accumulation of wealth, but by how we use our time, talents, and treasury (finances) to advance His kingdom and bless others.
While the world looks at your bank account here on earth, the Lord looks at your heavenly bank account, which is accruing an eternal weight of glory, as we make deposits into glorifying God and using what we do have to bless others. And while the world measures your success often by how many people follow you on social media, God measures your success by the things you do to advance His kingdom in secret – like prayer, fasting, and giving alms.
Greatness in the kingdom of God is available to all Christians who desire to put Jesus first in everything we do. My friends if you want more joy in your life then obey God. If you want more purpose in your life then walk in the will of God. And if you want to accumulate more riches in heaven then just be faithful in what the Lord has blessed you with.
When we are faithful and obedient to God get ready to be blessed, and even better, to be a blessing to others and to the Lord!
“Greatness in the kingdom of God is measured in terms of obedience.”
“In the spiritual realm, the opposite of ignorance is not knowledge, it’s obedience.” Hendricks
We usually think of Christians as obedient and unbelievers as rebels, lacking obedience; however, Paul describes all mankind as obedient. Romans 2:8- there are those who “obey the truth” and those who “obey unrighteousness.”
It’s not obedience that’s in question but the object of our obedience.
This post reminded me of these verses from John 14 (all in red letters). Obedience is the key to greatness because it is an unmistakeable indicator of our love for the Godhead.
“If you love me, keep my commands.” (Red Letters)
“Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him.” John 14:21 (NIV)
Jesus replied, “If anyone loves me, he will obey my teachings. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.” John 14:23 (NIV)