Image by Mohamed Hassan from Pixabay
Facebook has become the go-to place to post the greatest or the best ever on every subject. For me, the word greatest has become like ice cream. When I was a kid, I didn’t get ice cream except special occasions; it really meant something. Now I can get ice cream every day. I can have it every meal. I still like it, but it doesn’t have the meaning it once did. How many sports teams or singers or actors or movies or athletes or leaders have come along in recent times labeled the greatest? And what is the standard for measuring greatness?
The best authority on the subject is the least appreciated authority on the subject. Jesus told how to recognize greatness, but you won’t hear his method mentioned on Fox News, CNN, ESPN, or other news outlets because it’s not very exciting for most people. Let me explain:
* If I can’t have the attention on me, it’s not very exciting.
* If my ego isn’t stroked, it’s not very exciting.
* If I can’t flood social media with selfies, it’s not very exciting.
* If I can’t talk about me, brag about me, point to me, it’s not very exciting.
It’s simply not very exciting to hear, “The greatest among you will be your servant.”
I’ve met inspiring people and seen inspiring events in my life; some could even be called great. But one holds a childhood-ice-cream place in my heart. I hope it’s great for you.
Some years ago, in Seattle, 9 Special Olympics athletes assembled at the starting line for the 100-yard dash. At the gun, they all started out with a desire to run the race to the finish and to win. All except one little boy who stumbled on the asphalt, tumbled over a couple of times and began to cry. When the other 8 runners heard him, they slowed down, looked back, turned around, and went to him – every one of them. A girl with Down syndrome bent down, kissed him, and said, ‘There, that will make it better.’ Then all 9 competitors linked arms and walked together to the finish line. Everyone in the stadium stood and cheered. People who were there still tell the story. Why? Because deep down inside we know that what matters in life is more than winning for ourselves, that life is about more than us. What matters is helping others, even if it means slowing down and changing our plans. Doing for others is true greatness.
Muhammed Ali chose the exciting measurement when he proclaimed to the world, “I am the greatest.” The Best Team Ever is built upon the standard Jesus gives for greatness. The lives touched, the people helped, the victories won will not be on news channels or social media, but they don’t go unnoticed. Jesus said His Father knows when a bird falls from the sky or someone is given even a drink of water – He doesn’t miss your great acts of service.
Now, go celebrate with some ice cream and remember, you are greatly loved!
–Jackie Chesnutt, Chaplain and Emotional Support Coach for Myers-Davis (7/27/2026)
