Focal Point Ministries

When the mother of James and John asked Jesus for the top two seats in His kingdom, He told her, "You do not know what you're asking." She knew what she wanted—she just didn't know the cost. Greatness comes with service, and service costs pain. Jesus Himself "came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." There's no shortcut around the cost. Is there a place where you've wanted the reward of greatness while quietly avoiding its cost?

Here's something that may surprise you: God wants you to be great. The Bible isn't into "character communism"—there's a real gradation of greatness, and God would love for you to be great in His kingdom. But greatness is defined very differently than the world defines it. You go down in the Christian life if you'd like to go up. Paul, one of the greatest leaders the church has ever known, was literally lowered out a window in a basket. What would change if you measured greatness by God's standard instead of the world's?

Anyone can wear a uniform—but very few can endure what it costs to represent one.

A man was paraded through town in a Green Beret uniform covered in badges, directing first responders and federal agents alike. The problem? He'd never been to boot camp. He was a fraud. Paul exposes the very same thing about the polished "super-apostles" in Corinth. True valor can't be faked—it's earned. Where might you be settling for the look of devotion over the real thing?

Assurance isn't found by replaying your best days or comparing your record to someone else's.

It's found by looking to the right hand of God and seeing your Priest seated there. Priests who stand are still working; priests who sit are finished. Jesus offered Himself once for all—and then sat down.

The only One with the right to condemn you is the One who died for you, rose for you, and now intercedes for you (Romans 8:34). The verdict is settled. Your security rests where your Priest sits.

When doubt rises, where does your mind go first—your feelings, or His finished work?