2 He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. 3 And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.
"OK, Jesus...I have a hypothetical question."
How else could this question "who's the greatest" be asked? with a straight face? I'd embarrass myself.
But then again, I've heard countless clergy conversations during my years in ministry that surround issues like...
- How's your attendance holding up?
- How much are they paying you?
- Did I tell you about our new sanctuary addition?
- How big is your youth group now?
When I was in the Air Force and attended senior leadership conferences I often noticed the gaggle of Colonels would divide into two groups...the Command Chaplains and the "not so" Command Chaplains. One of those times I was in the "not so command" group and was curiously listening to one chaplain complaining about never having the opportunity to become a Command Chaplain. He was unhappy and showed it. I was curious with the fact that anybody who achieved the prestigious position of full Colonel could be unhappy about anything. Well, compared to the group standing a few feet away, I guess perspective is everything.
On the contrary...I was watching my grandsons at Christmas. At one point I noticed they were both opening similar presents...except (in my opinion) one was far superior to the other. It didn't seem to bother either child. They were content with what was in front of them.
We can guess which attitude is more pleasing to God.
I don't know why God distinguishes some and not others. I know for sure it's not because they are more highly valued.We do a disservice to God when we think any other way.
As I watched my grandsons I think I understand what Jesus was saying. The thing that is so precious about little children is the lack of self-consciousness. They don't know about making comparisons...they have to be taught that kind of ugliness. For the most part they are perfectly content with what's in front of them.
And, or course, if we are content with what's in front of us...we will welcome Jesus with enthusiasm every time he enters our lives.
How about it. When Jesus woos us..do we take a minute to compare his call with our other options? When we pour ourselves out to a life of ministry are we content with the results, or do we evaluate our offering compared to our neighbor?
Real greatness is taking profound pleasure in what God has given...every day.
Live boldly out there today...
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