The Path to True Greatness:

In a world obsessed with status, recognition, and self-promotion, we often find ourselves chasing after a distorted version of greatness. But what if the path to true greatness is radically different from what society tells us? What if, instead of striving to make a name for ourselves, we're called to attach our identity to a name far greater than our own?

Let's explore this counterintuitive journey through the lens of one of history's most intriguing figures: John the Baptist.

The Identity Trap

When we lack clarity about who we truly are, we become vulnerable to two dangerous lies about greatness:

1. The promise of an identity that isn't ours
2. The belief that the identity God has given us isn't enough

These deceptions lead us to chase after importance, power, status, and affirmation. We either try to make a name for ourselves or desperately attach ourselves to well-known brands or personalities. Sound familiar? It's the same old story, from the Garden of Eden to the Tower of Babel, and now to our modern social media landscape.

But here's the paradox: in God's eyes, the way to greatness is to completely lay your life down. As we see in Philippians 2, Jesus "made himself nothing, taking upon himself the role of a servant, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal's death on a cross. Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honour and gave him the name that is above every name..."

There's only one true hero in this story, and His name is Jesus.

Clarity Breeds Confidence

John the Baptist understood this profound truth. He had unwavering clarity about his identity and mission, which gave him remarkable confidence. When asked who he was, John never responded with his name. Instead, he declared, "I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness."

This clarity protected John from the trap of being who others wanted him to be. It's a lesson for us all: if we don't know who we are, we'll fall into the pit of living up to others' expectations rather than God's purpose for our lives.

The Power of God's Word

John's conviction came from a deep connection to God's Word. Scripture tells us, "A message from God came to John, son of Zechariah who was living in the wilderness." This living, breathing, active Word became John's operating system, shaping his thoughts, beliefs, and actions.

When we fully receive God's Word, it becomes our own. It empowers us to boldly and powerfully proclaim hope, wisdom, courage, and strength to a world in desperate need. The difference between merely having to say something and having something truly meaningful to say is profound.

Counting the Cost

John's unwavering commitment to his calling came at a great price. He fearlessly confronted injustice, calling out even King Herod for his unethical marriage. This boldness led to his imprisonment and eventual execution.

John's life reminds us that following Jesus will cost us everything. As Jesus Himself said, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me" (Matthew 16:24). A costless Christianity changes nothing.

John understood that obedience to God is more important than the approval of men. He recognized the danger of misplaced worship, knowing that whatever we ascribe ultimate worth to becomes our god. As Tim Keller wisely noted, "To love anything in this world more than you love God is to crush it under the weight of your expectations."

Clarity of Mission

John's life was marked by a singular focus: to point people to Jesus. He never wavered from this mission, understanding that his role was to decrease so that Christ could increase. This clarity of purpose guided every aspect of his life and ministry.

In our own lives, we must ask ourselves: What name are we living for? Our own? A company's? A political figure's? Or are we living for the Name above every name?

Passion vs. Purpose

It's easy to confuse passion with purpose. Passion is what we love to do, but purpose is our reason for living. John the Baptist's passion may have been preaching and baptizing, but his purpose was to make much of Jesus.

Each of us is made by God, for God, and for a specific purpose. The only thing that truly matters is living out His purpose for our lives.

Reflection and Application

As we reflect on John the Baptist's example, let's consider:

1. Where do we find our identity? In our accomplishments, relationships, or status? Or in Christ?

2. How can we cultivate a deeper connection with God's Word, allowing it to shape our thoughts and actions?

3. Are we willing to count the cost of following Jesus, even when it means going against cultural norms or facing opposition?

4. What is our life's mission? Are we living to make a name for ourselves, or to make Jesus' name known?

5. How can we decrease so that Christ might increase in our lives and in the lives of those around us?

The path to true greatness isn't about climbing to the top of the ladder. It's about laying our lives down in service to the One who is truly great. Like John the Baptist, may we find our identity, confidence, and purpose in pointing others to Jesus, the Name above all names.

As we navigate the complexities of modern life, let's hold fast to this countercultural truth: in God's kingdom, the way up is down. The path to greatness is paved with humility, self-sacrifice, and unwavering devotion to Christ. It's not an easy road, but it's the only one that leads to lasting significance and true fulfillment.

Will you join in this journey of decreasing so that He might increase?