March 29, 2009

A Touch of Greatness - Part 2

So, how do we find the greatness that is hidden inside of us? It all has to do with our focus. We must quit focusing on ourselves and begin to focus on others. It is what we do for others that makes us great.

The disciples were arguing this thought in Luke chapter 22 verses 23-27.
“Then the disciples began to ask each other which of them would ever do such a thing. And they began to argue among themselves as to who would be the greatest in the coming Kingdom. Jesus told them, "In this world the kings and great men order their people around, and yet they are called 'friends of the people.' But among you, those who are the greatest should take the lowest rank, and the leader should be like a servant. Normally the master sits at the table and is served by his servants. But not here! For I am your servant.”

To become great we must serve others. (O-T-H-E-R-S)

Let’s begin with the “O”.

O – Offer your very best.


Philippians 2:25-30
25 Meanwhile, I thought I should send Epaphroditus back to you. He is a true brother, a faithful worker, and a courageous soldier. And he was your messenger to help me in my need. 26 Now I am sending him home again, for he has been longing to see you, and he was very distressed that you heard he was ill. 27 And he surely was ill; in fact, he almost died. But God had mercy on him-- and also on me, so that I would not have such unbearable sorrow. 28 So I am all the more anxious to send him back to you, for I know you will be glad to see him, and that will lighten all my cares. 29 Welcome him with Christian love and with great joy, and be sure to honor people like him. 30 For he risked his life for the work of Christ, and he was at the point of death while trying to do for me the things you couldn't do because you were far away.

Epaphroditus was a nobody, however he gave his best.
1. He was a people lover, He ministered to Paul and when the people back home heard he was ill it stressed him out to think that they were worried about him.
2. He was a risk taker, he risked his own life to serve Paul—most people would have pampered and served their own need.
3. He was a tireless worker, He worked so hard at the ministry he was called to that it literally caused his illness.
4. He was a servant leader. Paul sends word to the church to give him a hero’s welcome because of his uncompromising servant leadership.

To uncover our hidden greatness we must learn to offer our very best.

1 comment:

Charlie said...

Great Stuff Carl. We can all use thes houghts