“Who is the greatest?”

by Phoebe

During a Bible study in a village, we were asked to go round and answer this question – “When we pray, what do we ask God for?” A mature Christian answered that she always feels incapable and unable to do many things so she would pray for God’s help. Many of us then quickly jumped in to assure her that she is a capable person and listed the things that we have seen her do – from teaching Thai, taking up treasury roles, cooking and making homemade dishwashing liquid etc.

After the Bible study session, I shared with my colleagues that this sister-in-Christ is probably struggling with self-confidence and self-worth issues, to which one of them replied without hesitation that she herself also struggles with these issues and her view of self was formed from her family of origin. I was surprised by what she said and it made me reflect that when we minister to others, we sometimes tend to think that we have it all together and we are quick to point out the ‘problems’ of others. My colleague’s sharing opened up more vulnerable sharings around the table and upon introspection, I admitted that I myself also struggle with self-confidence issues in so many different ways. I thank God that He still chooses to use me despite my imperfections and my poor view of myself. I am reminded that despite my inadequacies and weaknesses, He still sees me as good and complete because Jesus has done the work on the Cross. He still gives me an opportunity to serve in Thailand. What a humbling realisation.

In this world, we tend to measure others and ourselves based on the things that we can do. But it is not the case in the kingdom of God. When the disciples were arguing over who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven, Jesus had to correct them by showing that a lowly and humble child is the greatest (Matthew 18:1-4). He is concerned about the posture and purity of our hearts; whether our hearts are inclined towards Him. He does not care how many things we can achieve but He sees how ready we are for Him. His kingdom is upside-down – “So the last will be first, and the first last.” (Matthew 20:16)

This question from Pray As You Go on 11 August 2026 is worth reflecting – “Is there a place in you that still wants the security of being counted great, or are you willing to let go and let your truest self be found (by God) instead?”