I've been mulling over the difference between greatness and significance. According to my dictionary the meanings are pretty much the same; according to my musings, the distinction is more about size than importance. Let me explain.
Every day we are bombarded with the message that "we can be anything we put our mind to being." Not only are we encouraged to apply that principle to our own lives, we're encouraged to make sure our children believe nothing is beyond their realm of possibility.
Now I'm certainly not opposed to positive thinking - even if I was, there are plenty of examples of those who have overcome incredible odds to achieve success. The questions I've been asking myself for the past few weeks are less complicated than that: what constitutes a "significant" contribution to society? Does the extent of an act determine whether or not it qualifies for "greatness?"
While sharing a cup of tea with a neighbour this afternoon she mentioned an act of kindness bestowed by one young man upon a friend and classmate. As far as "significant," in terms of size it doesn't compare with some huge financial endowment presented by a successful business corporation. Yet in terms of "significance" in the life of a struggling individual, it embodied the true meaning of "greatness."
Sometimes we are frustrated when limited resources, talents or time restrict the extent of our service to God and others. We're discouraged by the notion that significance demands we do something big enough to be called great. God, through His son Jesus Christ, reminds us that perimeters don't matter, real love and compassion, does.
"For I tell you truly, whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you belong to and bear the name of Christ will by no means fail to get his reward." (Mark 9:42) http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+9:40-42&version=AMP
