ABOUT GREATNESS

“Unselfishness is the badge of human greatness.” [UB 1572:06]

Still Small Voice: “The above statement is a great clarifier as to what true Greatness is all about. When all has been said and done, the memories of great men and women are also attached to their qualities of selflessness and humility and to the services they rendered to humanity.

“What a simple and efficient yard stick these character values constitute! The status of Greatness should not be self-awarded nor should it be accepted by those who do not deserve this type of glorification awarded by their star struck groupies.

“Fame and stardom are not synonym of greatness even though the ‘celebrity status’ is frequently bestowed without discernment to many human beings. Sadly, it causes more harm than good. People may be famous due to some exceptional skills or talents that make them stand out in their line of achievement. Paradoxically, fame also comes to those who commit ‘infamous and nefarious’ deeds that renders them historically memorable.

“In many cases, fame becomes an obstacle to Greatness if it is not combined with strength of character and maturity of heart. Fame has to be tempered with humility so that it does not lead to an over inflated self-perception. “Happy are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” Jesus emphasized the blessing contained in being humble.

“Everyone receives God-given talents and abilities at various levels—physical, mental, intellectual and spiritual. Those gifts have been meant to be shared with all for the enhancement of human civilization. This is where ‘unselfishness’ comes into play. Unselfishness—the selfless sharing of oneself and of one’s gifts—is what upgrades the content of a life. Selfishness is what depreciates it to the point of rendering it weightless and shallow.

“Do not thirst for human glorification. Rather, follow Jesus’ shining example of Greatness. Wisely, He steered away from any form of glorification—even though it was well deserved in His case. He always forwarded all credit to His Father and thus ensured that He remained ‘real’ and did not fall victim to the entrapment of self-pride. He made it very clear that the Only One worthy of unrestrained worship and glorification was the anonymous Giver of all Life and all Talents.”