As a leader, you have better things to pursue than this …

One of the things I find bewildering is how popular a sermon and conference topic is the subject of “greatness” among so many church leaders.

A very different message was preached at the funeral of King Louis XIV, which was conducted in the great cathedral of Paris, France. The cathedral was dark except for a single candle placed on top of the golden casket containing Louis’ remains. At the appointed time, Massillon, the court preacher, addressed the assembly of mourners.

He arose, walked to the candle, and snuffed it out.

Then, in the darkness, he declared, “ONLY God is GREAT!”

When it comes to the topic of greatness, Jesus taught his disciples they had better things to pursue …

“But Jesus called them together and said, ‘You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many,'” Matthew 20:25-28.

Do you have a desire to be great? Or to be a great servant? The difference matters.

Scotty