How do you Measure Greatness?

Dennis Doughty, Minister

Tunica Church of Christ, Tunica, MS

 

 

Who was the greatest golfer of the 20th century? My vote goes to Ben Hogan. He had to overcome a poor and difficult childhood and went broke several times his first few years out on tour. But when he figured out his “secret” he began to win in large numbers; in three years, 1946-1948, he won 31 times including three majors. During this time, he averaged playing in 25 tournaments a year.

 

In February of 1949 he and his wife had a head on collision with a bus on a bridge on a foggy Texas morning. It was the bus’s fault. As a result of his injuries Hogan’s left leg was severally injured and he lost a great deal of blood circulation in that leg for the rest of his life. Because of this injury, the rest of his playing career he would never play in more than five tournaments a year. Yet went on to win 63 PGA tournaments, including nine majors. In 1953 he played five times, won all five, including the Masters. US Open and British Open.

 

Yes, Jack Nicklaus won 18 majors, but Jack played in over a hundred majors in his prime. Due to several circumstances, including a disruption of golf during World War 2, Hogan only played in 32 majors.

 

So, who was the greatest player?  I guess it goes back to how we measure greatness. In sports, it is often the stats, in business it is the profit margin, in our careers it is how far we make it up the ladder of success. But how is greatness measured in our lives as Christians?

 

The 12 apostles of Jesus wanted to have positions of greatness in the Lord’s kingdom. There were disputes and infighting among them as Jesus spoke more about his upcoming death. As they entered the upper room for that final Passover evening there again arose a dispute among them as to which one was regarded to be the greatest. (Luke 22:24)

 

Seeing this, Jesus arose from his seat, walked to the pan of water in the corner, removed his robe, then his tunic. Girding himself with a towel, he went back to the table. As his apostles watched in astonishment, he went one by one and washed their feet. (John 13:5-11)

 

After doing so, he returned to the table and told them, “I gave you an example, that you should do as I have done to you.” (John 13:13-16) He spoke of Kings and those in authority over them, and said, “but it is not that way with you, but the one who is the greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader like a servant. Then added, But I am among you as one who serves.” (Luke 22:25-27)

 

As Christians, our greatness is measured by our humble service. There is only one position in the kingdom of God, only one, that of a servant.