The G.O.A.T.

​The night light in the nursery cast a faint warm glow across the walls, the room was clean, calm and perfectly decorated. I was supposed to take my precious newborn babe, swaddle him just so, feed him, turn on the sound machine, sing a song, place him in the crib and walk away to the sound of silence, just like the books said to do. He cried. I cried. 
 
My desire to be great had grown and given birth in my heart long before my son’s birth made me a mama. The clinking of the metals on my letter jacket as I walked down the hall in my high school fulfilled my desire for status. The applause of the crowd after a performance in a notable venue made me feel as if all the effort was noticed and worthy of much praise. The glowing reviews at work on my job performance reinforced the image of my own greatness that I was trying to project. 
 
I would have (and still do) fit in with the scribes, Pharisees and even the disciples. 

The scribes and Pharisees wanted to be noticed, honored and praised for their knowledge of the Torah and interpretation of the Law of Moses. Their traditions became so over the top that they were described in Matthew 23:4 by Jesus as laying heavy burdens on people’s shoulders that were hard to bear. Jesus also talked about how, “They do all their deeds to be seen by others…[and]… love the place of honor at feasts and the best seats in the synagogues” (Matt. 23:5-6). They wanted their names to be made known above all and their obsession for standing, status and self-indulgence became a presence of oppression. 
 
Jesus warned against their ways and provided an opposite alternative to greatness during the last supper. As the disciples sat with Jesus, they began to argue about who was the greatest among them. It appears that even they were not immune to the allure of status, honor and power the world had to offer. Jesus demonstrated true humility and taught them that greater is the one who serves rather than the one that is served (Luke 22:26). Then as an act of love for his disciples, he gets up from the table and prepares to wash their feet (John 13: 4-5).
 
Jesus humbled himself to the status of servant as he removed his outer garments, poured water in the basin, kneeled and washed the miles of filth off of his disciples feet. The highest became the lowest and the master became the servant. Their eyes were opened to the greatness of God as Jesus fulfilled their need for love and forgiveness through a humble act of service.
 
The cure for self-concern is to focus on Christ’s greatness rather than our own. 
 
When are you tempted by the allure of status, honor and power? Like me, do you try to establish your own greatness through parenting outcomes, job performance and accomplishments? Does it feel like your desire for greatness becomes a weight too heavy to bear?
 
Dear friend, Jesus loves you. He died on the cross and bore the weight of your self-serving sin, and mine, so that we could be free from the pressures of this world. Unlike our wants and desires that we so desperately pursue, Jesus is near; He is attainable and He wants to work in and through you. 
 
When you notice your motives are self-serving, cry out to God saying, “Lord, will you please open my eyes to the ways in which I have sought my own greatness instead of yours. I thank you that I am forgiven for these things because of your death on the cross and victory over sin. Give me a heart to see the pain of others and enter into it with humility and love so that I may serve them, just like you serve me. Amen.”

Memory Verse: “Even as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:28

About the Author

Hello, friend! My name is Tierney Nashleanas. I’m so glad you are here! I am a wife to my amazing husband, Trevor, a mama to our inspiring kiddos, Valor and Sylvie, and a health coach on the side. I enjoy experiencing the beauty of God in nature, getting my hands dirty in the garden, sitting by a glowy light to read a book and loading our family up in our 04’ Honda Odyssey we call, “The Adventure Van,” to see where the road takes us. I have a passion for creating words that encourage and inspire others to experience the love that God has for them in Christ.