Clinch Valley news. [volume] (Jeffersonville, Va.) 18??-2019, 1918-08-09
CONCEPTIONS OF GREATNESS.
(Rev. 7. II. Campbell in the Religious
Herald.)


Herald)
Greatness as conceived by most
men consists in material splendor
rather than in spiritual worth. Even
many Christians are tainted with this
idea, and their right conception of it
becomes more and more like Christ's
as they grow in grace and knowl-
edge. Christ is our infallible guide
and we should follow him rather than
the teachings of men.
Christ says he who serves is great.
Most men seem to think that eleva-
ton, conspicuousncss has something
to do with it. To be seen and to BIZ
heard rather than to be dedicated to
self-sacriiicing service for others. To
lift others up though we go down is
Christ's idea of greatness; it is not
so much getting service, but giving
service that makes one great. Preach
ing the gospel faithfully, teaching it
living 1t day by day, giving as liber-
ally as we can to its support, Great.
ing a moral atmosphere about us SC
that Others in breathing it may b,
made better, nobler, more Christlike
that is real greatness; to foregc
worldly honors, glory, applause, walE
the path of duty though rough and
thorny rather than seek ease, com,
tort, think as much of poor man
If he deserves it, as a rich man, be
immune to mere glamour and conven.
tionalities and ever sensitive to the
slightest touch of virtue and truth
that is true greatness.
Yes, it is the power to sacrifice GU,
lives, If need be, for good cause and
render service to those who need it
Greatness is the product of ennobline
ministry; to be first among our fell
lowmen we must be their servants
The great man is the litter rattle,
than the one pushed up; the feede,
and not the leech, the producer and
not mere consumer.
Superiority comes in not mere in
tellectual strength, social prestige
conspicuous position, etc, but in SUI
preme love to Christ and self-sacr,-
ficlng toll for the good of others.
The more and more we become sat
urated with Christ's conception OF
greatness the less and less will the
worlds idea affect us To become
great in Christ's estimation is the
blessed privilege of all whereas to be-
come great as greatness goes with
The world, but few comparatively ev-
or attain it.
Usefulness is better than mere con,
sp.cuity, serviccablnesss towers above
notoriety. Hclpfulness is the cryins
need of mankind. To minister faith
Tally, to serve nob.y should be the
ala of every man.
christ has given Us practical ex-
cnlplitication of his idea of greatness.
lie was, is inherently great, and con-
eretely expressed this greatness by
Ills wise words and by his noble deed.
lie came to serve rather than to be
served. He did not theoriZe as to
what greatness was, but gave Il prac-
teal exhibition of it every day he
lived upon the earth. "He went
about doing good" His very pres
ence was an inspiration, his words
were a tonic to the soul and his deeds
were exemplary in every respect.
Would you, kind reader, know what
real greatness is and ascertain ohw
to obtain it, then study Christ's char
acter and conduct! His life was daily
sacrifice for others, brushing away
tears, consoiing sad hearts, healing
diseased bodies and saving sinful
SOILS. Remember, we are truly great
only as we are like Christ. His unique
life is condemnation of all those
whose idea of greatness is like that
of the world.
as powerful as was his expression
and practical eXempifcation of grea.-
ness in his spotless life that express
SIGN and exemplification reached their
elimination in his vicarious death
Not only did he die for his friends,
but for his enemies. Hear Him pray
ing for those who were crucifying
him. Father forgive them, for they
know not what they do" So let US
get our conception of greatness from
the Christ.