Marks of greatness

When you think of greatness, who comes to mind? Perhaps Mohammed Ali, or Kelly Slater, or Lance Armstrong. Maybe it's some political leader like Abraham Lincoln or George Washington. I imagine all of us, to some degree or another, have wished that we could be recognized as being great at something in our lifetime. Jesus, in Matthew 11, says the following about John the Baptist. ""Truly I say to you, among those born of women there has not arisen anyone greater than John the Baptist!" What made John great? Well, there are five things we find in scripture that characterize his greatness.

1. Humility: John said, "He must increase, but I must decrease." You might become famous without humility, but without it, you will never become truly great.
2. Conviction: Jesus said, "What did you go out to see, a reed shaken with the wind?" John was firm in his convictions, regardless of the culture. He didn't pander to the world.
3. Self Denial: Jesus said, "Those who wear soft clothing are in kings palaces." John renounced the comforts of this world for the sake of Christ.
4. Accepted his calling: John said, "I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, make ready the way of the Lord." There is no higher calling than to proclaim Jesus Christ.
5. Delivered his message: John accomplished his mission, even though it cost him his life. "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." It may not be popular, but the message of the gospel is effective, leading people to salvation.

Let's determine to be found faithful when Christ comes back, to be found busy doing the Father's business. And may we hear Christ say, "Well done, good and faithful slave. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master." Matt. 25:23 I hope you will plan on joining us this Sunday as we continue this study of the marks of greatness as characterized by John the Baptist.