At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:1-4 ESV)
Will Tiger Woods regain his title as the world’s greatest golfer?
Many hope so. He’s edging back.
Jesus Christ, the one teacher “who came from the Father,” taught that greatness was not about the prize but about the path. Not titles or possessions.
Once he revealed this path by bringing a child, maybe the height of Jesus’ belt, before his students. “Whoever humbles himself like this little child,” Jesus said, “is greatest in the kingdom of God.”
Only a handful of golfers will ever become the greatest golfer of the world.
Anyone can become like a child, if…
…if they will take the first step onto the path. A downward step. Then a second, also downward.
All steps on this path to the greatness that lasts forever are downward. The humble person will take the step. He or she can say, “I need to be like a small child.”
—
Jim Hiskey
February 16, 2012
Copyright © 2012 Links Players International
The Links Daily Devotional appears Monday through Friday at www.linksplayers.com.