John the Baptist tells (and shows) us what humility is like. Speaking about Jesus, he said: “He must become greater; I must become less” (John 3:30).

A lot of people think about what it means to be “great.” Is it fame or fortune? Is it awards or achievement? Is it a great social media profile or perfect family?

Turns out, humility is the recipe for greatness in the eyes of God.

A seniors group at a church made bandaging cancer sores their mission. They ducked applause because they didn’t want recognition; they just wanted to help.

Nik Wallenda had huge TV ratings for walking on a wire over Niagara Falls and then the Grand Canyon. After each event he stayed behind three hours to clean up all the garbage from the huge crowds.

Near the start of the pandemic during a worship service I said something about how this would be a difficult time for a lot of churches, and that some wouldn’t make it. A parent told me that their child had heard me say that, went to their piggy bank, and emptied it out. Do you know how long it takes for a child to save up their allowance? They counted it out, put $50 in a baggie, and sent it in to the church hoping it would help.

Greatness isn’t about getting noticed. It’s about glorifying God and putting both him and others first, often at personal expense.

“He must become greater; I must become less.”

Humility is the recipe for greatness in the eyes of God.

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Notes:

–Bible quotes are from the NIV.