Defining Greatness

Who doesn’t want to be great? Whether in sports, business, art, or whatever, humans seem to have an internal drive for greatness. We see it played out globally every couple years in the Olympics, World Cup, Super Bowl, multi-billion dollar business mergers, and military displays of power. This got me thinking, what exactly is “greatness”? Someone can be a great athlete but a horrible father. You might see an outstanding, shrewd businessman who is emotionally absent and verbally abusive to his wife at home. And, as we see playing out currently around the world, great military power being abused for selfish gain, oppression, and genocide. Therefore greatness as a quality is more nuanced and needs a bit more definition.

Who has been “great” in your life? Most people have either a parent or grandparent, teacher, coach, or friend who has been great for them. Perhaps they have modeled kindness to you, going out of their way to show you love and patience. Maybe they have spoken words of encouragement and affirmation into your life when you needed it the most. If nothing else, they’ve just been there for you, listening and supporting you in the struggles that life sends your way. Whatever it is, think about who has really been “great” in your life. Whether you are a follower of Jesus or not, his words ring true about what defines greatness. When he was asked about what makes a man great, his answer likely resonates in your own heart as well. He explained greatness using terms like humility, being concerned with others first, showing kindness, and not abusing your power or “rights” to oppress others but lifting them up. Is this what we see in the world today? Are these the defining qualities being lifted up to make America great?

I want to be one who loves in humility and kindness. I want my life to be a refuge for my family where they feel safe, seen, and loved. I want my greatness to be defined by what truly feels great to my soul, not by wealth, status, success, or any other superficial measure. How about you? When we talk of being great as a nation, we have to start as individuals. If Americans strive to be great by loving our neighbors, welcoming and caring for the oppressed, choosing kindness over hatred and generosity over greed, that is what will make America great, and the same goes for every other nation as well. We’re no better or worse just because we live in America. This is a common thread of humanity that weaves it’s way across the globe. So yes, let’s make America great. Let’s make Mexico and Canada great. Let’s make Ukraine and Russia, Israel and Palestine, and every other nation great, and it starts individually. Love your neighbor. Choose kindness. Be generous. Extend welcome. Make peace. These will create a great life for you, bring greatness to others, and lead to greatness in our nation and throughout the world.