Overcoming Delusions of Grandeur

"Today's Devotion" For October 2, 2006

Read: Matthew 18:1-5; Philippians 2:1-11

OVERCOMING DELUSIONS OF GRANDEUR

"'Therefore whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.'" (Matthew 18:5)

There is, perhaps, nothing that more completely ties the "great" rulers of history together than their "delusions of grandeur." Myriad names of such rulers are a part of the fabric of world history. Men like Alexander the Great, Julius Caesar, Napoleon, and Adolph Hitler, to name but a few, wanted to rule the world. A close look at history tells us that there's no doubt that each of the aforementioned rulers achieved some level of greatness or infamy. Yet, that same history tells us that none of them really ever ruled the world. Each of them achieved some level of greatness or infamy, but it can never be said that they ruled the world. They each wished to be great, fully in control of their destinies as the saw them, eager to go down in the annals of history, revered and honored by subsequent generations.

There's a theory of leadership that is called "Trait Leadership Theory." This theory is often simplistically defined as "leaders are born; not made." Yet, when studied carefully, Trait Leadership Theory holds that certain characteristics and traits in individuals have a tendency, when correlated with other factors such as circumstances, upbringing, and opportunities, to move such persons into positions of leadership and further advancement in positions of leadership. According to this theory of leadership, there is, perhaps, no greater correlative factor than the intense desire to achieve, succeed, and accomplish one's goals and reach a vision. In many ways, this drive can be summed up in the phrase, "delusions of grandeur," because all too frequently, such persons lose sight of the primary purpose of leadership - at least in God's eyes - which is to serve God and others.

While there are many ways to measure greatness by the world's standards, how do God's people measure greatness? Throughout history, many leaders have arisen and fallen, many trying to emulate such rulers and leaders as were mentioned earlier, but are now only footnotes in the history books. At the same time there have been many great leaders that no one has ever heard about - people who humbly walked before God, putting the needs of others before themselves, and loving and caring for those in need. As Jesus notes to His disciples in Matthew 18:5, greatness is measured in God's eyes by the holy humbleness worked in one's heart by His Word and Spirit. It's a childlike humility that doesn't seek personal gain or recognition, but seeks to trust only in God's love in Christ Jesus and share it with others. Leadership and greatness aren't concepts restricted to the rich and famous (or infamous), but to all who humbly walk before the Lord and seek their reward in heaven, not on earth from people.

According to Jesus (Matthew 18:1-5), His disciples also had their own "Delusions of grandeur." Interestingly, they weren't caught up in the issue of who would be seen as greatest in the history of the world, but in the kingdom of heaven. They had set their sights much higher than "mere mortal men," far outstripping those listed above. And this thought process, ever a product of our sinful condition, is a clear reflection that they neither understood Christ's mission, nor were clear that His kingdom was not of this world and He wasn't looking for "someone to be in charge." This thought process and striving for "power" completely flew in the face of Jesus' mission. It also stood at odds with the picture of the Suffering Servant of Isaiah 53 and the humble Savior of Paul's Letter to the Philippians (2:5-11).

So, how about you and me? Are we filled with "delusions of grandeur?" Do we aspire to greatness? Depending on our perspective on life and position in a company, community, or other organization, each of us could be said to have our own sense of what greatness means. And, while we might not like to admit it, all of us are filled with our own "delusions of grandeur," every time we fail to put ourselves in God's hands and seek His will and purpose for our lives. Jesus is challenging you and me in the same way He challenged His disciples. The whole idea of greatness in the kingdom of heaven isn't one of power and position, but humility and service to God and others. Regardless of human accolades, awards, promotions, or other expressions of human accomplishment, the kingdom of heaven is about childlike faith in Jesus Christ, trusting God above all things, which leads us to selfless service to others - just as Jesus served. By the power of God's Word and Spirit, through faith in Jesus, we follow Jesus' footsteps, learn from His example, and overcoming delusions of grandeur in our lives, we seek to live a life of humble service to others in Jesus' name. Sharing His love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness throughout our lives is our greatest accomplishment, for in so doing we bring the message of salvation in His blood and righteousness to a lost and dying world. In God's eyes, that's true greatness.

Prayer: Father, my Lord Jesus Christ came down to earth and, humbling Himself, took on human flesh and my condition, subjecting Himself to all the same temptations and problems of Sin which I face in my life every day. He perfectly obeyed Your will and purpose for Him - and me - fully taking my place under Your Law and Your righteous. He received in His body the full and just punishment for Sin that I deserve, bearing my sins and the sins of the world on the Cross so that I might stand forgiven before You and walk humbly with You until You call me home to heaven. Father, by the power of Your Word and Spirit, help to put aside all my sinful "delusions of grandeur." Lead me to recognize such delusions of grandeur as the result of Sin in my life and give me the strength to overcome them and be a humble witness of Your love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness in Christ Jesus for the world. Let my demeanor and actions be those of a faithful and humble servant of You, my gracious heavenly Father, so that others might come to know Your love in Jesus; in whose precious name I pray. Amen.
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--Pastor Boeck

Copyright @2006 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.