I will start from the one place Jesus actually revealed the secret to greatness. Mathew 18:1-5 NKJV
At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”
2 Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, 3 and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me.
It’s clear cut that the answer is humility, however this is not as simple as it sounds. Given the degree to which we as humans are so self consumed. Always fixated on our own little world and fantasizing about the weirdest of things. In that world of fantasy is another vice, some call it a demon. Pride. This is the enemy of progress.
It’s a subtle yet evasive mindset, and every single human, as long he or she is self consumed, has it. Ego in itself is a very good thing to have, but if it gets in the way of development, when it turns from reality to assumptions, from what is present in your life to fantasies. Only a darker path awaits ahead.
Even King Solomon, in all his wisdom and experience warned us in Proverbs 18:12 NKJV
Before destruction the heart of a man is haughty, And before honor is humility.
Greatness steps in right after humility. The misunderstanding most of the religious mindsets have, is pretending to be humble so as to please God. This fabricated humility stemming out of pride, not out of love. This is very different from the former.
Don’t you know that God looks at the heart not on the outside?
It is not so useful to have a haughty heart against others, yet you are lowering yourself out of envy, pride or whatever motive you may have.
Humility calls for one to have a contrite heart, one content with whatever it actually has. Not lusting over greater glory but with acceptance and gratitude of what is available now. That even where you are today, was once a dream a few years ago. That even the little you have, is a little more than you actually need. That every single one of us, humans, is equal before God. By not deliberately placing yourself below men, but knowing that each one of us is the same. And nothing makes you or them special. This principle prevents your heart from being swayed by unrealistic desires and destructive thoughts. As you see and appreciate reality, as it is. This my brother/sister is close to what humility is.
The secret to greatness
In knowing that you are not any special, and you have to work hard to make it in life. Refraining from self praising talk and comparison amongst each other, but looking towards Christ. And as the verses that begin this post read:
‘Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.’
Which may infer that one who sees the world as the child does, is the greatest. Not looking down on others but up to them. As a son looks up to his Father. As the youngest child looks up to their elder sibling. Even more so should you, if you aspire for greatness. Not just in one aspect, but in every bit of your life. This is the way of great men.
