How to Achieve Greatness in the Kingdom of God

March 31, 2025

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Have you ever wondered what it truly means to be great in the Kingdom of God? What if the key to greatness isn’t in power or status, but in something far more profound?

The world defines greatness as power, influence, and status. But Jesus turned this definition upside down when He said, “He that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger, and he that is chief, as he that doth serve” (Luke 22:26). When Jesus said this, He was addressing His disciples who had just finished quarreling over who would be considered the greatest among them.

The disciples had a desire to be great, and Jesus did not rebuke them for it. Instead, He redirected their thinking—teaching them that the path to true greatness comes through servanthood. When we serve others, we reflect the character of Christ, who came not to be served but to serve.

What was true for them then is true for us now, for servanthood is the foundation of true leadership in the Kingdom of God. The world may see service as a lowly task, but in the eyes of God, it is the highest calling. Jesus, the Son of God, demonstrated this when He washed the feet of His disciples—a task usually reserved for the lowest servant in a household. Through this act, He showed us that humility and selflessness are not weaknesses but strengths that define godly leadership.

To be a servant means to put the needs of others before our own, to seek opportunities to bless, uplift, and encourage those around us. It means serving not only when it is convenient but when it is needed. True servanthood is not about recognition or reward but about obedience to God’s call to love and care for His people.

The Apostle Paul also emphasized servanthood, stating in Philippians 2:3-4, “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests but also to the interests of others.” This mindset requires a heart transformation—one that is no longer self-seeking but Kingdom-focused.

As believers, we must embrace a lifestyle of servanthood in every area of our lives—our families, workplaces, and especially within the local church. Every act of service, no matter how big or small, is significant in the Kingdom of God. Whether it is greeting visitors, praying for others, giving generously, or volunteering in ministry, our willingness to serve reflects our love for God and our commitment to His mission.

When I turned my life around and began serving the Lord, I got involved in the work of God by serving in every way possible. My focus completely shifted from my own selfish desires to prioritizing the kingdom of God above all else.  

And this lifestyle of serving naturally leads us into the principle of honor. When we commit ourselves to serve, we begin to see the value in others and in the roles they fulfill. Servanthood shapes our hearts to honor God’s design, God’s people, and God’s appointed leaders. It teaches us to recognize and respect the anointing.

Years ago, I had the privilege of sowing honor into my spiritual father, Rev. Kenneth E. Hagin. I remember being at a campmeeting in the early 1980s when he stood on a stage and mentioned, with joy, that he was wearing a suit gifted to him by Dr. Fred Price. That moment struck something deep in me. It stirred a desire—not out of obligation, but from a place of admiration and spiritual connection, and I said in my heart, “One day, I’ll do that too.” 

That desire never left me. It took some time, but years later, I found myself with the means and the opportunity. I approached Dad Hagin during a trip to Chicago and asked if I could buy him a suit. At first, he humbly declined, saying, “No, I couldn’t let you do that.” But Mom Hagin, overhearing our conversation, gently encouraged him, saying, “Kenneth, if he wants to do it, you ought to let him.” He came back to me with a smile and said, “All right, Doc, let’s do it.”

We couldn’t find the right suit in Chicago, so he shopped later in Dallas and picked out two he liked. He called me and said, “I knew you’d want to bless me for my birthday and Father’s Day, so I picked up both.” That simple, joyful confidence—his knowing I wanted to honor him—blessed me deeply. It became a tradition. Each year, I’d buy him a new suit, and he’d wear it for the first time at campmeeting. What a joy it was to honor him in that way.

But it wasn’t just about clothes. One time, before a meeting he had in Ozark, Alabama, I learned that the hotel he was staying in wasn’t in the best shape. The bathroom tile was grimy, and the place was far from ideal. I went out and bought cleaning supplies, and my wife and I personally scrubbed that bathroom ourselves. Not because anyone told us to. Not because we were trying to earn points, but because we honored the man, the calling, and the anointing on his life. We wanted to make room for God to move without distraction.

Why? Because I understood the power of honor. I didn’t worship the man—I honored the mantle. I recognized the anointing and did what I could to support it. And as a result, doors opened in my own life—not because I pushed or promoted myself, but because honor positioned me to receive and be trusted with more.

In the Kingdom of God, greatness is measured not by titles or applause but by a heart willing to serve and a spirit committed to honor. Together, servanthood and honor transform us into vessels that God can use. Whether it’s cleaning a bathroom, buying a suit, or simply showing up when it counts, these acts matter. They speak louder than words and carry eternal weight. 

Friend, be encouraged today. In serving and honoring, you align yourself with Heaven’s values—and in doing so, you step into the kind of greatness that never fades. What a glorious way to live!


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