How Scripture Redefines What It Means to Be Great
Introduction: Rethinking Greatness
When we hear the word “greatness” in everyday conversation, we often think of power, influence, fame, or success—maybe even the idea of “Making America Great Again,” a slogan that’s become a fixture in American politics. But what does the Bible say about greatness? The answer might surprise you: in Scripture, greatness isn’t about showing off, being in charge, or having the most followers. Instead, it’s about humility, service, and a heart devoted to God.
God’s Greatness: Beyond Human Imagination
First and foremost, the Bible describes God as the ultimate example of greatness. Verses like 1 Chronicles 29:11 say, “Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty…” In other words, God’s greatness is unmatched—He is the source of all power, glory, and wisdom. Psalm 145:3 adds, “The Lord is great and is to be highly praised; his greatness is beyond understanding.” No matter how impressive people or nations become, God’s greatness stands alone.
Even the natural world points to God’s greatness: “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies display his handiwork. Day after day they speak out; night after night they reveal his power” (Psalm 19:1-2). Creation itself is like a billboard advertising God’s incredible majesty.
Human Greatness: The Path of Humility and Service
When it comes to people, the Bible flips the script on what it means to be great. Jesus taught that true greatness isn’t about being the boss or having the spotlight—it’s about serving others. He said, “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve…” (Matthew 20:26-28). In other words, greatness in God’s eyes is about helping, not being helped.
Another verse, Matthew 23:12, drives the point home: “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” It’s not the proud or the powerful who get top honors in the kingdom of God—it’s the humble, the ones who don’t mind getting their hands dirty in service to others.
The life of Jesus is the ultimate example. Philippians 2:5-7 tells us that even though Jesus had every right to claim equality with God, He “emptied himself, taking the form of a servant.” He chose humility and love over power and prestige.
Examples of Greatness: Ordinary People, Extraordinary Impact
· David: Before he was a king, David was a shepherd—a nobody, really (1 Samuel 16:11-13). But God saw his heart and chose him for greatness. It wasn’t David’s status but his faithfulness and trust in God that mattered.
· Esther: She started as a captive, but God raised her up to be queen. Esther used her position to save her people, proving that greatness can come from unexpected places (Esther 4:14).
· The Disciples: Most of Jesus’ followers were regular folks—fishermen, tradesmen. Yet they became the foundation of a movement that changed the world, not by their own power, but by obeying Christ’s call (Matthew 4:18-22).
Big Reversals: From Small to Great, and Great to Small
The Bible is full of reversals. Mighty empires like Babylon and Assyria once ruled the world, but they fell because they ignored God’s authority (Isaiah 14:3-23). Meanwhile, the humble—like Mary, the mother of Jesus—were lifted up. Mary sang, “He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has exalted the humble” (Luke 1:52). Again and again, Scripture shows that God values humility over pride, devotion over status.
In the end, all earthly greatness is temporary. Revelation 11:15 says that one day, “the kingdoms of this world have become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ.” What lasts forever is not our fame or our accomplishments, but our relationship with God and the love we show to others.
Practical Takeaway: Measuring Success by God’s Standards
So what does all this mean for us? Instead of chasing after recognition, power, or wealth, the Bible invites us to measure success differently. Colossians 3:23 encourages, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.” God defines greatness not by what we have, but by our faithfulness, humility, and devotion to Him.
True greatness, then, looks like surrendering your own ambitions to do what’s right; loving others even when nobody notices; and trusting that God can use small acts of kindness to do big things. In God’s eyes, every sincere act of service is greater than the biggest award or headline.
Conclusion: Greatness Redefined
The biblical concept of greatness challenges us to look beyond the surface and re-evaluate what really matters. It’s not about being at the top, but about having a heart that serves and loves. As we embrace this vision of greatness, we discover the freedom and joy of living for something bigger than ourselves—God’s glory, and the good of others.
Minister A Francine Green
October 2025
afrancinegreen.com 