“Whatever action is performed by a great man, common men follow in his footsteps. And whatever standards he sets by exemplary acts, all the world pursues.” (Bg.3.21)

If being a devotee is a rare position as previously established, then we should not feel proud. We surrender to God to humble ourselves to reach a higher point, a higher and clearer connection to God. This does not mean that we become so humble that we are the doormat for everyone else, or get easily pushed around. But we free ourselves from the complex details of life by knowing that if we do God’s will, and connect with His intent, then that energy can flow through us to reach others. To be a good servant of God we must also be a reflection of God’s unconditional love for us. We must be a vehicle through which God’s love can come through to reach everyone else. We see everyone else as part of God’s family. That is true greatness.

We are all born sensitive, but the details of life often desensitize us. We can not allow life to do that to us. We have to remain aware of others’ feelings, pain, and needs and be able to respond to that in a humane and spiritual way. We have to remember that the more we help or assist others, the more we also help ourselves. We have to do that because we are the ones who need the help. This attitude will keep us humble as well as focused on what is our real purpose, and empowered to keep in mind our own spiritual position as the devotee of God. We have to remember that if we love God, we will also love all of His energy and His innumerable parts and parcels.

So we need to see the example of what should be done. We may become great teachers or not. Being great and being popular are two different things. And being popular without being truly great can be very dangerous. That has brought about the end of many people. If you are popular but not great, then when you fall, and everyone will be watching everything that happens to you. So we need to be great in the essential spiritual standards, no matter whether anyone else notices or not. We have to set the example. That itself is often the best way to teach. As these standards are presented, others will follow and accept the example you have set. Or they will at least respect it.

There is an old saying that the world never knows its greatest men. It is better to be like that than to think you are great and infallible, and then become popular only to later fall down from your position and cause others to become disturbed by having their faith crushed.

So be a great devotee by being humble yet strong, being kind and merciful yet firm, and by being loving but fair and equal. And most of all, be an instrument and representative of God that all can view with respect and admiration.