WHAT IS YOUR DEFINITION OF GREATNESS?

Mt.20:26 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, NIV

Several times, I've been in prayer meetings where the prayer points were centred on becoming great. In most of these prayer meetings, I noticed that most of the prayer leaders define greatness as being wealthy and popular. I've been in prayer meetings where they led us to pray to become the most prominent and wealthy in our families. Hogwash!

Coming to the ministry, I've related with much older ministers and contemporaries. In some ministers meetings, the prayer is not so different. Some ministers pray to be great in ministry from the standpoint of wealth and fame. They want to "blow" in ministry. This is one of the bye products of "propserity gospel". It is better not to be in some circles because they'll influence you into ungodliness.

Among some young ministers, what I see is the crave to be recognized and seen as doing something worthwhile. That's why some young ministers are almost always on social media. They're trying to project themselves to their world because that's their definition of greatness.

In some cases, they exaggerate testimonies and numbers. They speak "evangelistically". They gather around themselves people who respond to the Gospel emotionally and sensationally. Not everyone who fell under their anointing was truly touched of God. Some are just emotional responses to the man of God.

You need to see some fellowship presidents on campuses having security and walking with entourage. I once had a colleague like that while on campus. In class, he was a regular guy but once we leave the classroom, seeing him in the hostel requires that you pass through protocols some of whom are ladies. Someone drives him round campus as they "paparize" him.

In almost all quarters, people are seeking greatness by creating an aura of importance around themselves. Some who don't receive up to 50 calls or counselees in a day are having P.A.just for the pride of having one.

In Matthew's Gospel, Jesus redefined greatness saying, "Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant,". The definition of Christ's greatness is not tied to fame or wealth but to service. Often, we don't see a village pastor or missionary as successful or great because he's obscure. When God calls people to minister in the village where there's no media coverage or money, we call it sacrifice but when a man's ministry is situated in the city or abroad with large crowd, wealth and media coverage, we call it "breakthrough in ministry". That shows we've been infected with the bug.

Another thing I've seen in how some preachers pursue greatness is to seek platforms through association. They want to be seen preaching or teaching in a popular program or church. They ensure they are in the clique of the who's who to get invitations. Some organize programs and invite "popular" preachers and guests God's people don't need because they want only the who's who on their platforms. These guests end up preaching conflicting doctrines leaving God's people confused.

Any minister who continues this way will corrupt his calling and compromise on doctrines. You don't force relationships, God has a way of making it come.

Early in ministry, I was like that. I wanted to link up with some big names so as to bring relevance to the work I'm doing. However, a mentor cautioned me. Thank God I heeded his counsel. When you climb your mountain and get to the top, others at the top have a way of linking with those that have reached the top.

Our definition of greatness determines how we pursue it. As far as God is concerned, wealth, fame, media presence and other human parameters doesn't define greatness. Faithfulness in service and a heart that is committed to Him defines greatness. Nothing more.