The Encourager
“Who's the Greatist”
Who is The Greatest?
by Jeff Curtis
People sometimes may think that they are not making much of a contribution to the work of the church. They may feel that they are wasting their time and the time of others in worship. Maybe they have a difficult time paying attention because they have to wrestle with children, or because of some ailment they may not be able to attend every service or feel they are a distraction when they are in attendance. We may feel that because of our age we don’t have much to contribute in our service to God. We may get discouraged from time to time because of these thoughts or those similar.
In Matthew 18:1, “…the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” The question is “Who is the greatest in the kingdom or (Church at Eastside)? Since we may have these thoughts from time to time, we may think of others as being better than ourselves.
We may think, well, we have elders so “I know they are greater” for the church than I am. We need to realize that they, too, were in your place at one time. They sat through services with children, who, were at times unruly, or sick or cutting teeth and seem to be fussy all the time. You as a young parent need to realize that you have a very great responsibility. You hold the future of the church and the world and your family within your grasp. The church will cease to be if parents give up and decide its not worth the hassle of trying to get children ready and then trying to sit through services. In the above passage, Jesus answers the question of the who the greatest is by telling them, “4 Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me.” Yes, parents who bring children to learn about God and how to worship the Almighty are the greatest in the kingdom.
Marilyn and I have raised three children in the church. I served as a Deacon for many of those years, which left Marilyn alone during the services a lot of the time. We had a child who was fussy and crying during a gospel meeting once, and the visiting preaching (from the pulpit / during the service) told her she was going to have to take the baby out. That can be discouraging to a young parent who may be struggling just to be there with her babies. We appreciate your efforts.
We may think that because we have some age on us and we don’t always feel 100%, that we have no business being at the service. After all, I am a distraction. I can’t sit still because my body doesn’t want to cooperate and allow me to sit comfortably for that long.
Yet, the apostle Paul says that you are a part of what makes the church a sound church. In Titus chapter 2 he writes; “ But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine: 2 that the older men be sober, reverent, temperate, sound in faith, in love, in patience; 3 the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things— 4 that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, 5 to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed.”
Paul says there is so much that you have to offer to help the church future of the church. You can and should be a stabilizing force in the church. The young people should be able to look to you for advice and encouragement. You are a wealth of knowledge and experience that God understands should be used for the growth of the church. Remember, Paul said you are a contributing factor in the church being sound.
So…, who’s the greatest in the kingdom /church? You are. Without you bringing your children to services, as tough as it may be sometimes, you are still the greatest because of the duty and honor you have in raising children in the Lord’s house. It is a great encouragement for you to be there with your children. Too many churches don’t have children.
So…, who’s the greatest in the kingdom /church? You are. Without your age, wisdom, knowledge and everything that you have to offer to help maintain a sense of security and soundness in the church, where would we be without you? The fact that you are there, even when your health suggests that you stay at home, you are deeply appreciated.
Everyone here is the greatest in the kingdom / church.
