At that time the disciples came to Jesus and said, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” And He called a child to Himself and set him before them, and said, “Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.” Whoever then humbles himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 18:1-4 (NAU)
Somewhere in the core of our being, we all want to be “the best.” From childhood onward, we have been conditioned by well-meaning parents, teachers, friends, and mentors to go for the gold and be the best. Reality TV shows excite that attitude. It is easy to get trapped into thinking that we can be the best actor, singer, superstar, or preacher. Reality TV also shows that everyone does not have the same abilities. We cannot all be the best at the same endeavor. The self-help, positive thinking industry fails to explain the reality that despite our ability to think we can, we will only be able to achieve our goal if we have the necessary skills, talents, and abilities. “Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?” (Mt. 6:27 KJV) Since we cannot increase our height by thinking, it follows that we cannot increase our innate abilities by thinking either.
What is it about being “the best?” We like the accolades, the fame, and the prospects of fortune. All it does is gives us the big head. It isn’t good for us because it creates pride and bigotry, and a false sense of perfection. This competitive spirit motivated the first murder. Searching for “the greatest in the kingdom” takes our eyes off Jesus and puts them on a human. It moves us away from the Lord’s example toward one of our own making. It is easy to see how that is possible. We are told by preachers everywhere that we can never attain to the pinnacle of holiness, so we lower our standards to one that we believe is possible.
The Lord’s disciples were looking for the “Oscar” in the kingdom. “The greatest in the kingdom” stood in front of them but he didn’t call attention to himself. They must have been shocked by his illustration of childlike humility. The humility of a child is the key to being great in God’s kingdom. When young King Solomon ascended to the throne of Israel, he understood this concept clearly and prayed a prayer that must have resounded throughout heaven. “Now, O LORD my God, You have made Your servant king in place of my father David, yet I am but a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in.” (1 Kings 3:7 NAU). Imagine what our families, our society, and our churches would be like, if we would all practice the example of Solomon and Christ.
Dear Father, thank you for your grace and mercy. Deliver us, O Lord, from the pride of life. Protect us from the traps of fantasy and fame. Empower us with a childlike humility that relies on you. Grant that we may live in your presence all the days of our lives. I pray this in Jesus’ name. AMEN
Let us praise God for his glory and live humbly before him,