Above Only Daily Devotional http://cgmglobal.org/aboveonly Saturday, MARCH 3 Kingdom Principles of Greatness Matthew 16:16-17, 21-22

Above Only Daily Devotional
http://cgmglobal.org/aboveonly

Saturday, MARCH 3

Kingdom Principles of Greatness

Matthew 16:16-17, 21-22
Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Jesus replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven. From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things ..and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life. Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him… 

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One major area where the principles of the kingdom of God differ from the principles of this world is in the area of greatness. Immediately after Jesus saw that His disciples knew who He really was, He began to tell them about His need to suffer and die to fulfill the purpose that God sent Him to the earth. Peter just could not understand it and that is why He tried to discourage Jesus from what He was saying. What Peter did not understand was that in the kingdom of God, greatness is about service and not about carrying our shoulders, titles or dominating others, Matt.20:25-28.

Even though we know how great we are, like Jesus, we don't hold on to our ego or reputation (Phil.2:7) when it comes to loving others, serving God and fulfilling God's will and purpose for our lives. We do not look for honour from men rather, we look for what we can do that will bring honour to God. In John 5:41 (AMP) Jesus said, “I receive not glory from men [I crave no human honor, I look for no mortal fame].” We do not compare ourselves with ourselves because that is not wise (2Cor.10:12). Even when people try to compare us with others we remind them that we are just God's servants and God is all in all, 1Cor.3:3-9. Like Jesus, we focus on finishing all that the Father has assigned us to do so that we might bring Him glory, John 17:4. We keep our eyes on the joy that is set before us; which is pleasing God and glorifying His Name. This makes us willing and able to endure the cross of Christ and despise every shame that we may have to please God.

PRAYER: Tell God that you are willing to lay down your life and make every sacrifice necessary to please Him and do His will.

BIBLE IN A YEAR READING PLAN: NUMBERS 26-28; MARK 8

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