In the seventies Muhammed Ali taunted his opponents by proclaiming he was the greatest. It was showboating.
At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” (Matthew 18 v 1)
They had all got their own healing stories. Of course Peter was the one who had the revelation of who Jesus was. Moreover he along with James and John had been chosen to accompany Jesus on the glory mountain. Some of the other disciples had failed to drive out the demon from the young boy who was having seizures. Mix some jealousy and derogatory remarks in there with more than a sprinkling of condescension and you soon have set off a battle of the giants to see who actually would be the top dog.
Here are 5 traits for those carrying a desire for greatness
Being wrong or getting it wrong is not an option – You will be willing to lie and deceive your way out of being known to have failed.
People become objects for the great plan – You continually ask how can this person you are speaking to help your plan to work rather than asking how you can help them be the person God has called them to be.
You despise greatness in others – Comparison is never far away and you find it hard to truly get excited about someone else’s success.
The spirit of entitlement sits alongside your greatness – A worker deserves their wages etc. You have proof texts and workaholic stories that prove you deserve the praise and the prize. Gratefulness is far away.
Insecurity is your driving force – Unacknowledged it sits beneath the surface and it looks at the past, present and the future and infiltrates every decision, reaction and response.
Missions Paul 