"A Big Name"

A big name’s what they’re after,

With influence that it brings,

That’s why the self-promoters,

Chase worldly fame and things.

It’s often what a man’s about,

And women do it, too,

But Jesus taught that greatness,

Was selflessness, it’s true.

He called a little child and said,

The greatest one of all,

Will be more like this youngster,

Than those ‘round standing tall.

The greatest in the Kingdom,

Is the one who humbles down,

Is willing to be servant,

And by this to win a crown.

I’m sure that it surprised ‘em,

It’s surprising to this day,

Unsung heroes make an impact,

No matter what men say.

And someone wise is quoted,

And I think that it’s true,

If you care less who gets the credit,

No one can limit you.

It’s God who gets the glory,

And that’s how it should be,

We live to give Him praises,

And serve others, don’t you see.

He graces all the humble,

Resists all of the proud,

Exalts all those who get it right,

Not the arrogant and loud.

And in the end our crowns are cast,

At His feet upon the throne,

He died and rose eternally,

To make us all His own.

Eternity is long, my friend,

And this life’s mighty brief,

And only what we do for Him,

Will bring us God’s relief.

So promote the One who’s worthy,

Yes, worthy is the Lamb,

And give Him all the glory,

The forever great I AM.

“The greatest among you must be a servant. But those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” Matthew 23:11-12 (NLT)

Jesus turned the world’s order of things upside down. He said His followers would be different because their greatness would be measured by being a servant to others. This requires a personal dying to self that many avoid. There is fierce competition, one-upmanship, and ruthless self-promotion in Christian circles that reflect rather than counter-act the world. Such things should not be. God resists the proud and graces the humble in every case with no exceptions. We win by losing and lead by serving. it’s the Jesus way.

Lord, teach us to serve, in Jesus’ name.

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Art by Bruce Greene, used by permission. Thanks, Bruce, and God bless you.