Sometimes, we hear phrases such as “great,” “vibrant,” “alive” or “on fire” to describe churches and their various activities. Such adjectives can be freely tossed about in conversation, but what they mean varies from one person to the next.
Just what is it that really makes a church great? Some might suggest size. Surely, a big church must be a great church. The church in Philadelphia, however, was not big, as it had only a “limited strength” (Revelation 3:8). Size notwithstanding, God found no fault with them, and set before them an open door.
Others might suggest prosperity. Surely, a church that is prosperous must be a great church. The church in Laodicea, however, was financially secure (Revelation 3:17). Finances notwithstanding, God counted them “wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked.” Obviously, how we count greatness is not always how God counts greatness.
So, what makes a church great? No doubt, since the church consists of those saved (Acts 2:47), it is that quality which, as individual Christians, makes us acceptable before God. When Jesus’ disciples were arguing which one of them was the greatest, He responded, “For whoever is least among you – this one is great” (Luke 9:48). Similarly, Jesus taught them, “The greatest among you will be your servant” (Matthew 23:11).
Great churches consist of great members. Great members, in God’s sight, are those who humble themselves as slaves of the Lord. It is not in seeking greatness that one becomes great, but in seeking to do one’s best each day as a faithful, trusting servant of God.
Who is really great? God the Father and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ are greater than anyone or anything. What is really great? Our salvation in Christ, provided by the grace and mercy of God in love, is the greatest gift we can ever receive.
How can we, as individual Christians and collectively as members of His body or the church, be great? We must humble ourselves before God, yield ourselves to Him and seek in love to live obedient lives by faith. “It must not be like that among you. On the contrary, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave; just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life – a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:26-28).
