This weekend, I am on a father-sons trip with Kai and Koa, checking off a “bucket-list” desire! We will be cheering on MMA legend and Hawai’i’s very own, Max “Blessed” Holloway, live in person at UFC 326!
But the other “bucket-list” desire fulfilled is happening this Sunday at our church 🙂
Malia is delivering the message! Whooooo hoooo! Thank You, Jesus! As a dad who is a pastor, it’s very rewarding and encouraging to be partnering with my daughter to equip our NHM ’ohana. She will be teaching from Matthew 18:1-6, where the disciples come to Jesus with a very human question: “Who is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?” In other words, Who is the best? Who gets the spotlight? Our world is constantly fighting to be seen, known, popular, or great. For me, sometimes in subtle ways, my heart desires recognition or applause. Doesn’t my AI picture above say it all – LOL!!!
We tend to measure success by our career, position or how much we get paid. But Jesus completely flips the script. He says the greatest is the one who humbles themselves like a child. In Jesus’ kingdom, greatness isn’t about our achievements, accolades, or fighting our way to the top. It’s not about needing to prove ourselves. I think it’s more about cultivating a heart of repentance rather than seeking recognition and rewards.
While thousands of fans will cheer for greatness inside the octagon this weekend, Jesus reminds us that the greatest victories in God’s Kingdom happen when we live to make Him great. While social media counts followers and likes, let’s count the cost of living a life of Kingdom greatness. Because in the Kingdom of Heaven, the humble are the truly great.
