What Would Great Do?
by Royce
In 1783, something extraordinary happened that had never occurred in human history. George Washington, the victorious commander who had led a ragtag colonial army to defeat the mighty British Empire, stood at the pinnacle of power. The fledgling nation was ready to crown him king. Some even suggested he become emperor. The ultimate authority was his for the taking.
But Washington shocked the world by doing the unthinkable—he walked away.
When King George III learned that Washington intended to reject the crown and return to his farm, the British monarch allegedly remarked: “If he does that, he will be the greatest man in the world.”
The king grasped a truth that only those who wield power can fully understand: true greatness isn’t measured by the power you accumulate, but by the power you surrender and give away. Real greatness doesn’t need a title, a position, or a crown. Greatness just needs an opportunity—and you’ll have that opportunity before this day is over.
But imagine possessing not just earthly authority, but all authority in heaven and on earth. What would you do with unlimited power? How would you wield control over every angel, every nation, every force in the universe?
This isn’t hypothetical. Someone actually held this ultimate authority, and what He chose to do with it reveals the very heart of greatness:
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” – Matthew 28:18-20
Jesus possessed absolute power. Every demon trembled. Every storm obeyed. Every grave surrendered its dead at His command. He could have ruled with an iron fist, demanded worship, or established an earthly empire that would make Rome look like a village.
Instead, He chose us.
With unlimited authority at His disposal, Jesus chose to invest in twelve ordinary, flawed men. He chose to entrust the most important mission in history to people who would deny Him, doubt Him, and initially fail to understand Him. He gave His power away by empowering others to carry on His work.
This wasn’t Jesus’s first lesson in redefining greatness. When His own disciples argued about who would hold the highest positions in His kingdom, Jesus gave them—and us—a revolutionary blueprint:
“When the ten heard about this, they were indignant with the two brothers. Jesus called them together and said, ‘You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.’” – Matthew 20:24-28
Notice the pattern: worldly leaders use their position to benefit themselves. They leverage authority to get more authority, accumulate more wealth, gain more recognition. It’s the way of self-advancement and personal gain.
Jesus flipped the script entirely: “Not so with you.”
In God’s kingdom, greatness flows in the opposite direction. The greatest serve. The highest stoop lowest. The most powerful give their power away. This isn’t just nice philosophy—this is the actual way Jesus lived when He had all authority in His hands.
Here’s what’s remarkable: you don’t need ultimate authority to practice ultimate greatness. You don’t need a title, position, or platform. Greatness doesn’t require power—it only requires opportunity. And those opportunities surround you every single day.
Before you finish reading this, you’ll have multiple chances to choose greatness:
- When you could use your influence to lift others up instead of pursuing gain only for yourself
- When you can choose patience over impatience, kindness over indifference
- When you can put someone else’s needs ahead of your own convenience
So before you respond to that difficult person, before you interact with your family today, before you make decisions at work, before you encounter that situation that usually frustrates you—pause and ask yourself:
“What would great do?”
- What would a great spouse do in this moment of tension?
- What would a great parent do with this teachable moment?
- What would a great employee do with this challenging assignment?
- What would a great neighbor do when they see someone struggling?
- What would a great follower of Jesus do right now?
The answer will almost always point you away from self-interest and toward service. It will guide you to use whatever opportunity or influence you have to bless others rather than advance yourself.
Your greatest regrets in life are likely connected to times when you chose to be selfish instead of selfless. When you powered up instead of serving down. When you defended your position instead of deferring to others. When you pretended not to notice someone’s need because helping would be inconvenient. When you chose your way over God’s way.
But here’s the beautiful truth: you can choose greatness today. You can ask “What would great do?” and then do it. You can follow the example of Jesus, who had all authority yet chose to serve, to give, to love, to sacrifice.
Jesus concludes His Great Commission with an incredible promise: “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” The One who holds all authority promises to walk with you as you choose the path of servant greatness.
You may not be able to change the world, but you can change someone’s day. You may not hold a position of great authority, but you hold opportunities for great impact. You may not be famous, but you can be great—and great is greater than famous.
The King of kings, who could have demanded to be served, chose instead to wash feet. He invites you to follow His example, not because it will make you known, but because it will make you great.
Today, you have an opportunity to be great. Don’t miss it.
Reflection Questions
- If you had unlimited power and authority, what would your first instinct be to do? How does that compare to what Jesus chose?
- When was the last time you had the opportunity to serve someone but chose self-interest instead? How did that feel afterward?
- What specific situation will you face today where you can ask “What would great do?” and act on it?
Prayer
Jesus, You had all authority in heaven and on earth, yet You chose to serve and give Your life away. Help me see the opportunities for greatness You place before me today—not greatness that seeks recognition or personal gain, but greatness that serves others. Give me the wisdom to ask “What would great do?” in every situation and the courage to follow through. Thank You for choosing me to carry on Your work. Help me be faithful with the opportunities You give me today. Amen.