“Why are you so slow to learn that the secret of greatness in the spiritual kingdom is not like the methods of power in the material world?”- Jesus 179:3.8 (1939.6)
This challenges us to reconsider our understanding of greatness and success. In the material world, greatness is often defined by external measures such as wealth, power, and influence. These methods prioritize competition, dominance, and personal ambition. In contrast, the spiritual kingdom operates on fundamentally different principles, where true greatness arises from humility, service, and love. The slow realization stems from humanity’s ingrained tendency to equate success with tangible achievements, making it difficult to grasp the deeper, intangible values of spiritual life.
In the spiritual kingdom, greatness is not achieved through the pursuit of self-interest but through acts of selflessness and devotion to others. This reflects the core teachings of many spiritual traditions, including those of Jesus, who consistently emphasized service as the path to true fulfillment. For example, Jesus washed the feet of his disciples, illustrating that spiritual leadership is about serving others, not asserting power over them. Such acts challenge conventional notions of greatness, urging us to shift our focus from external validation to internal transformation and the betterment of those around us.
The difficulty in learning this lesson lies in the stark contrast between the values of the material and spiritual realms. The material world often rewards ambition and assertiveness, while the spiritual path calls for surrender, trust, and the embrace of divine will. This reorientation requires a profound shift in perspective, moving away from self-centered goals and toward a life rooted in love, compassion, and the recognition of shared divinity. Ultimately, the secret of spiritual greatness is a journey inward, requiring faith, humility, and the courage to embrace values that transcend the physical world.
