Transformational Thinking: Becoming Great in God’s Kingdom

Douglas Kuhl
1 day ago
4 min read

Big Idea: True greatness in God’s kingdom requires transformational thinking—humility of a child and renewal of the mind through Christ.

Matthew 18:1-11

The Wrong Question

Picture this moment with me. Jesus and His disciples are still in Capernaum. They’ve witnessed miracles, heard His parables, and even glimpsed His glory on the mountain. Yet as they walk the dusty roads, an old debate rises among them:

“Which of us will be the greatest in the kingdom?”

Finally, they come right out and ask Jesus: “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” (Matt. 18:1).

Do you see the problem? Their question assumes God’s kingdom works like the world’s kingdom—where greatness comes through power, position, and prestige. They imagined titles to win, ladders to climb, and recognition to secure.

But Jesus didn’t scold them for wanting greatness. Instead, He completely redefined it.

Greatness Starts With Humility (Matt. 18:1–4)

Jesus called a little child and placed him in the middle of the group. Then He said:

“Unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”

Embracing childlike faith to share in the divine reign: a child kneels with a cross, illuminated by ethereal light beside a golden throne and crown.

In first-century culture, children had no voice, no rights, no status. That’s the illustration Jesus used.

Greatness in God’s kingdom isn’t about climbing higher—it’s about bowing lower. It’s about trust. Dependence. Humility.

This lines up with Paul’s words in Romans 12:2:

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

True greatness requires new thinking—transformational thinking.

Even modern neuroscience agrees. Dr. Caroline Leaf notes that our thoughts actually reshape the brain. Pride, envy, and selfish ambition strengthen toxic pathways. But humility, gratitude, and trust create healthier connections. Jesus wasn’t just giving spiritual advice—He was describing a way of life that literally rewires us from the inside out.

Renewal of the Mind (Ephesians 4:22–24)

Paul says:

“Put off your old self… be made new in the attitude of your minds… put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.”

The old self is full of ego and comparison. The new self is marked by humility, service, and childlike trust.

Dr. W. Lee Warren, a neurosurgeon, explains it this way:

“Your mind and your brain are not the same thing. Your mind is in charge of your brain.”

In other words, you’re not stuck with whatever thought patterns you’ve lived in before. With God’s help, you can direct your brain to form new, healthy, Christ-centered pathways.

Scripture calls this “renewing your mind.” Science calls it “neuroplasticity.” Both point to the same truth: you can change the way you think, and in Christ, you must.

Guarding the Thought Life (Philippians 4:4–8)

Paul gives us a practical path for transformational thinking:

“Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—think about such things.”

Max Lucado puts it like this:

“You may not control all the thoughts that come into your mind, but you can control which ones you invite to stay.”

In a serene moment of reflection, a person prays and meditates on God's word by a window, surrounded by glowing birds symbolizing thoughts, with words of wisdom illuminating the scene.

You don’t have to rent space to toxic thoughts. Replace them with truth, prayer, and gratitude.

Winning the Battle in the Mind (2 Corinthians 10:3–5)

Paul also uses military language to describe the battle of the mind:

“We take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”

That means when envy rises, when pride whispers, or when fear shouts—you capture those thoughts, refuse to let them run wild, and replace them with God’s truth.

Dr. Leaf calls this a “thought detox.” Scripture calls it sanctification. Either way, the result is the same: a mind aligned with Christ, a life reflecting His glory.

The Seriousness of Our Thinking (Matthew 18:5–6)

Jesus closes this section with a sobering warning:

“If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.”

Our mindset doesn’t just shape us—it shapes those we influence. Parents, your children are learning how to think from you. Leaders, your people are shaped by your mindset. Prideful thinking can cause others to stumble, but humble, Christ-centered thinking points them toward life.

The Path to True Greatness

So what does greatness look like in God’s kingdom?

It’s not about titles, but trust.
Not about promotion, but humility.
Not about grasping for power, but becoming like a child before your Father.
A journey into the divine light, illustrating the path to true greatness through faith and guidance.