My firstborn daughter is… Well a certified first born! Leadership comes to her naturally. She’s self-motivated, persistent, persuasive and a rule follower in every sense of the word. I love every moment of watching her gifts blossom, yet, often times her independence and drive scares me to death!

In a few short weeks, she will turn 11 years old. If I’m honest with myself, I have to admit that there really is not much left to teach her. She knows the rules, she is well aware of our expectations and our doors of communication are open.

At the core of her being she wants to get “it” right. She wants to be great at everything she does. But, at the core of my being, I desperately want her to know that “greatness” is not defined by right answers and perfect attendance.

This is greatness. So as we continue to navigate through these years together here are 3 scriptures I am praying she and her sisters understand about greatness. I hope you absorb these verses and pass them along to yours…

1. True greatness is caught, not taught.

Philippians 2:5

5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus

Jesus poured into his disciples, living the life that they aspired for, and although He did teach them, his presence with them was their motivation. How he lived was as infinitely important as what he said.

2. True greatness begins with humility.

Philippians 6-8

6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;

7 rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant,being made in human likeness.

8 And being found in appearance as a man,he humbled himselfby becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!

Jesus displayed ultimate humility and in his final act of greatness changed the world forever. He calls us to the same.

3. True greatness has nothing to do with you.

Philippians 2:3

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

Jesus had every reason to make his greatness about Him, and although it was, He chose to display His greatness in serving those unworthy of being served. This is His call to us.

Dear God, I pray that my girls use the life of Jesus Christ as the example for their own lives and measure of greatness. I pray that they imitate His compassion, grace and forgiveness to those around them and that they seek out those needing to know Your Love. Guard their minds, protect their hearts and guide their actions as they grow in relationship and the knowledge of You. God, give me the wisdom, patience and strength to point them to you, in word and in deed. Amen.