Truly of use

Then he said to them, “Anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me also welcomes my Father who sent me. Whoever is the least among you is the greatest.” (Luke 9:48 NLT)

Greatness isn't measured in what we accomplish or how highly we think about ourselves, is it? We can portray the most 'important' or 'regal' of images, but deep down inside, we can be a messed-up ball of worry, mistrust, and pride. As we have heard, "Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall." (Proverbs 16:18) We can say all the right things, but are we doing them from a genuine and humble heart?

The humble see themselves as they really are and in what God can do through them when they are genuine in their faith. What am I? A sinner, incapable of living as I should apart from the grace of God active and living in my heart. Who are you? Truth be told, I cannot make that judgment - that is between you and God! I can see evidence of his work within you, though. I can see evidence of pride, mistrust, and even worry at times. We ALL read like an open book - if not through our words, then definitely through our deeds.

Some have become masters of their own destiny. They seem to think they can muster their way into greatness by some means. Yet, their end will not be very rewarding for they have failed to see that God isn't seeking 'greatness' in us. He is seeking humility and availability. Don't be concerned of what others think of you so much as what he knows about you!

The least among you is the greatest seems to be a bit of an oxymoron, doesn't it? In this world's economy, the least aren't treated very well. The weak among us are walked over. The ones who aren't first seem to be left to pick up the remnants. The truth is that God sees the weak, the last, the one who is down and cannot get up. He hopes we will see them, as well, reaching out to meet them right where they are and welcoming them into his grace.

Don't be in a hurry to achieve much - be in a hurry to see God do much through you. Don't focus on what you get out of the circumstance - focus on what you can bring into it. Don't use others to get what you want - be available to meet their need first. The Lord is looking for those who aren't so caught up in themselves that they cannot be of use to him. Just sayin...