Choose to Be Great Rather than Big

Zingerman's in Ann Arbor (photo not taken by me)

The last time I ate at Zingerman's Deli in Ann Arbor I had a smoked trout sandwich.

Jon P.’s Upstream Odyssey
Smoked trout salad (smoked trout, cucumber, red onion & our own creamy two-mustard-caper dressing) with sautéed baby spinach on rustic Italian bread.
$11.50 / $13.50

Wow... 

Memories of the trout sandwich returned as I read the New York Times article "At Zingerman's, Pastrami and Partnership to Go." Fortunately for me Zingerman's is only 35 miles away.

Why does Zingerman's have some of the best sandwiches in the world? Because, as the article claims, it's leaders "chose to be great rather than big." (Zingerman's is one of the studies in Small Giants: Companies That Choose to Be Great Instead of Big, by Bo Burlingham.) 

I like this. It reminds me of Jesus' leadership. And how I view leadership in the church. As well as personal leadership. If we define "greatness" in terms of the life of Jesus, then choose to be great rather than big. Stop comparing your church's size or your own life in quantitative terms. Choose quality rather than quantity.

Seek first God's kingdom and his righteousness, for yourself and for your people. 

Focus on Jesus and connecting yourself with Jesus and connecting people to Jesus. 

It's all about influence, rather than size, quality rather than quantity, greatness rather than bigness.

Be great for the glory of God. Make excellent sandwiches for Jesus and people will be nourished.