Daily Devotional
Are you Good, Great or Both?
Text: Matthew 18:1
“At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”
Message
To be a good man is easy; do the right things, obey the rules and don’t cause trouble. But to be great requires more. It demands something higher and bigger than you. It insists on self-sacrifice and self-abnegation but only a man who has a self can self-abnegate.
Self-abnegation is the denial of self for the purpose of a higher cause which is service to God and humanity.
A great man is always willing to be little. A great man is different from an eminent one in that he is ready to be the servant of the society. No great man lives in vain. The history of the world is but the biography of great men.
A great person is admired and sometimes hated for his courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities.
A great man is not so much a preacher but a doer in sharing and leadership.
In addition, a good great man ensures that they are respectful toward everyone, do not hide important things, are empathetic, are supportive of their partner, compassionate, and stand up for their partner when required. He will do everything to make you feel safe, secure, wanted, and loved.
There are great men in the Bible, who possess noble characters that endeared them to God. These men include among others: Abraham, Moses, Joshua, David, Job and Daniel. We can a few things from them, bearing in mind that they were men like us. Courage is an essential currency for trading in God’s kingdom.
The life of a great man is that of a primer for what it means to be a man, not just a man of God but a man.
A great man lives his walk devoid of janus-faced facility. For example everywhere you see him he is a man you saw on the pulpit, the man you saw at the office, at home and anywhere else.
A great man is a problems solver, a hospitalist, counsellor, adviser, interventionist, care giver, etc.
He keeps appointment and apologises when late or for keeping others waiting.
He has enough time listening to others argue and moderates their opinion without any of the parties before him feeling gagged.
He allows contending couples to state their cases, argue and shout and when things gets too heated, he would laugh and say, “Ok, let’s take it easy.”
When you come in contact with him you will leave feeling happy that you had given it a go and blessed to have him taken his time to sit, listen and counsel.
A few more times and each time, you see him he remembered the details and prayed for you.
A great man does not use his prime position to make money through crooked means. He waits on God to truly bless him.
Around him you are always amazed at the personal warmth that he exudes and his unique ability to remember your name and acknowledge you. He is intentional, relational affectionate and personal.
He is defined by his kinetic energy. His mission in life was clear; to raise an army of men who would serve God and impact their families and society.
He is creative and innovative letting others be God’s best, helps husbands and wives connect.
He preserves family lives by encouraging the asking of anonymised questions about any topic as it affected them and give answers the best way he can.
He lived the words he preached. He is not patriarchal or misogynistic. Instead he does mind that others shines even if that keeps him out of the lime light.
He is a man shorn of ego, an example of a selfless husband and father and leader should be.
His hug is not just touch. It is more. It is an affirmation, a point of contact, a laying of claim and a form of endearment and an expression of affection.
He loves to and do give. He reaches out to lighten another person’s burden when he had his own.
He is a leader of men, a father of accomplished children, a mentor and lover of God. He loves to sing and dance, speaking in tongues or exhorting and leading others to dance before God without shame.
Even when gone is enduring image looms large alive like a happy child in the presence of his father.
He sees affliction and like Daniel goes into the lion’s den and triumphed. He manages to get up every day to encourage others. That is not the way a good man behaves. As they say in Warri, those were the “doings” of a great man.
The greatest in the kingdom of God is Jesus, and if you want to display greatness in His kingdom, then there is only one way possible. You must reflect His greatness. You must be like Him.
Matthew 18:1-4 reads,
Matthew 18:1 At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”
Matthew 18:2 Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them,
Matthew 18:3 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.
Matthew 18:4 Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
You cannot just be good. Being good is not enough for His kingdom. You must be good and great.
May God help our infirmities and make us to be good and great. Amen.