“Godly people pursue God and, in the process, capture greatness.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – December 18, 2024
For he will be great in the sight of the Lord. Luke 1:15
What does it mean to be great to God? Obtaining riches, possibly, but humility and a servant spirit? Absolutely! A CEO or a General in the military? These leaders could be great, but power does not guarantee greatness; in many cases, it tempts true greatness. God’s estimation of greatness is the courage to do the right thing as He defines right. Like John the Baptist, who decreased while Jesus increased. Greatness submits to God.
Greatness to God means we give up our job if it means giving in to ethical compromise. Greatness assumes I am willing to offend a friend if their expectation of me offends my heavenly Father. True greatness gladly becomes the servant of all and does not expect to be served. God measures greatness by what we give, not by what we accumulate. Indeed, generosity generates godly greatness. We are the greatest when we serve on behalf of God. As Jesus reminds us, “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant” (Matthew 20:26).
Your great love for your great God will cause you to take a stand for His great ideas. Godly people pursue God and, in the process, capture greatness. Your influence expands exponentially when eternity’s agenda defines you. Sharing the gospel, discipleship, feeding the working poor, caring for the mentally and physically handicapped, adopting orphans, serving widows, unconditional love, and forgiveness are all great to God.
However, hold these great truths with a sober mind and a humble heart. Few are won over and kept over by your laser-like logic and passionate persuasiveness. The Spirit will draw people to Jesus by your grace and love. In a spirit of sensitivity and prayer, lay out your rational faith at the right time. The world’s stage gives its great actors loud accolades, but listen only for the Lord’s quiet applause in your greatest moment of truth. Jesus is the greatest! “For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:9-11).
To be great to God during this Christmas season means focusing on what truly matters—honoring Him through love, humility, and generosity. It’s not about grand gestures but a heart aligned with His will. Spend time reflecting on the birth of Christ, the ultimate gift of love and redemption. Share that love by serving others, especially those in need, embodying the spirit of Christ’s humility. Choose kindness in your words and actions, bringing peace and joy to those around you. Worship sincerely, not just in church but in your daily life, showing gratitude for God’s blessings. Being great to God is about making His love visible, letting His light shine through you as a witness to His glory. Like John and Jesus, be great by serving the Lord!
Prayer
Lord, help me live humbly and love boldly, reflecting Your greatness in all I do. Teach me to serve, give, and honor You with my life, bringing glory to Your name. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Application
Serve as a family or group. Maybe ringing the bell for the Salvation Army.
Related Reading
2 Kings 5:1; Ezekiel 38:23; Acts 11:24; 1 Peter 3:4
Worship Resource
Phil Wickham feat. Anne Wilson: Behold
Donate
If you are blessed by these daily devotionals please prayerfully consider a donation to support Wisdom Hunters Resources. We are trusting the Lord for His provision.
Download our app!
