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People often describe some pastors as great men of God, especially those who shepherd mega churches and wield national or global influence. Most of them are televangelists.
They are also regarded as great men of God, considering their material wealth: aircrafts, luxury vehicles, impressive houses and their popularity. These are not bad things at all; they are really good stuff many work hard to acquire.
In fact, most preachers consider Abraham, Moses, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Elijah, David and Paul as great men of God. Surprisingly, however, none of those servants of God ever referred to himself as a great man of God.
Now, for us Christians, the Bible is our standard. What does it say about great men of God? Are they defined by the things and achievements mentioned above or by something else?
Jesus Christ, the Head of the Church, sheds light on these questions in a message recorded in the book of Matthew.
“Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:19).
From the text above, our Lord talks about two things: doing the commandments of God and teaching them. Jesus calls pastors who fail to live by the commandments, and teach others to keep them least. But He calls those who do them and teach others great.
Doing the Word of God, in the context of the scriptural verse above, implies that obedience comes first. Jesus stresses that we must first live the Word before we preach it to others, not as theory but as something we have experienced.
Jesus Christ Himself “…began both to do and teach (Acts 1:1). He acted on His words before teaching them, implying that action precedes instruction. Jesus lived out the message before He preached it.
His ministry was not just sermons; it was the living demonstration of God’s kingdom — healing the sick, feeding the hungry, showing compassion, and walking in holiness. In kingdom work, demonstration validates proclamation.
Therefore, greatness in the sight of God is not about pastor’s church, position, influence, wealth, popularity or fame, but about his faithfulness in living the commandments of God before passing on to other people.
You can see that a pastor who does not practise what he teaches is not worth imitating, considered a role model or a mentor, because he is a hypocrite. And we know that hypocrites are already under the criticism and condemnation of Christ Jesus (Matthew 23:13-33).
There is, therefore, the need for Church leaders to follow the examples of Jesus Christ. We must study the Bible, especially the New Testament books, live by its teachings before we teach others.
Moreover, it is important to point out that even faithful believers who quietly live out God’s Word and teach their children, neighbours, or co-workers may be honoured as great in heaven. Being considered great in the sight of God is not based on human applause but on divine approval.
This calling is not for pastors alone—it is for every Christian. Whether at home, in the workplace, or in the community, we are all called to live the Word and share the Word.
And we are not left to ourselves; by the help of the Holy Spirit, God works in us both to will and to do His good pleasure (Philippians 2:13).
Let us, therefore, follow the example of Christ, who first lived what He taught, served with humility, and demonstrated the kingdom in word and deed. That is the path to true greatness in the sight of God.
By James Quansah
