When CBS was filming a documentary about Billy Graham, the national correspondent asked me the following question, “How is it possible for a man of Billy Graham’s stature to graduate from a small college like Trinity College of Florida?” He was very sincere in this inquiry, having filmed for two days on campus. I responded as follows, “One must always remember that Little is Big when God is in it and Big is Little when God is not in it.”

We always underestimate strength, accomplishment, and influence by the words ‘big or little.’ LIT TLE can be GREAT and BIG can be GREAT. They all can be little if largeness is determined by earthly measurements. Ponder the words in the book entitled, “The Leader in Me”:

“As I struggle to distill the essence of what the new business environment is telling me, what educators are telling me, what parents are telling me, and what my heart is telling me, the concept that keeps surfacing in my mind is primary greatness ... secondary greatness has to do with positions or titles, awards, wealth, fame, ranking, or rare accomplishments. Almost by definition, secondary greatness can only be attained by a select few, an extremely small percentage of a population. Secondary greatness is largely determined by comparing one person against another.

“Primary greatness, on the other hand, is open to everyone. Every single person can have it; there are no bell-curve limits. Primary greatness has to do with a person’s integrity, work ethic, treatment of others, motives, and level of initiative. It also has to do with a person’s character, contributions, talents, creativity, and discipline. It represents who people are – every day – as opposed to what they own or temporary achievements. Primary greatness is measured not by comparisons with other people, but by adherence to timeless, universal principles…”

So my thought to you: In your business or organization, Pursue Primary Greatness! Your service and product offered in an environment of strong personal integrity, uncompromising work ethic, and a deep and honest concern for others will speak volumes to your consumers.

Mark it down - they will be back and will tell others. Just look at Chick-fil-A.

The secret to greatness lies in the truth that is foundational to belief. Belief generates values and values become the foundation to character. Character will determine behavior and foundational truth is found in Jesus! Paul said this to the Ephesian Christians, “…the truth is in Jesus” (Ephesians 4:21 NKJV). This truth is transformational at all levels of a person’s engagement in whatever the enterprise - from home to school to business and the community.

Remember the words of Matthew 18:1-2, 4 NKJV:

“At that time the disciples came to Jesus saying, ‘Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’ Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him the midst of them ... Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”

Little and Big are GREAT when God is involved! It is not the size of your company, business, or enterprise that determines primary greatness. It is ‘Truth’ lived out in your work. It is ‘Truth’ lived out in your daily transactions. It is ‘Truth’ clothed in humility that makes one possess Primary Greatness! Little, Big, or Great … that is the question!!

Intimacy with God plus Integrity with People equals Godly Influence!

Let us be 21st century influencers for Him! George Hormel once said, “I work for God and pack meat to pay the expenses!” Now that is a business to reckon with!

Dr. Mark T. O’Farrell, President, Trinity College of Florida