Las Vegas, Uber drivers, and true greatness

“The price of greatness is responsibility.”

Winston Churchill

“The greatest among you will be your servant.”

Jesus



A few weeks back, I was in Las Vegas for a brief layover on my way to the Wilderness Retreat. It happened to be the same week as a major UFC title fight. I have watched the UFC for 22 years now (alongside my wife).

Regardless of your opinion of the UFC, it’s a spectacle to behold. There are often controversies in the fights that get cleared up in the post-fight press conferences led by Dana White.

One of the most famous sports journalists in the MMA space is always given the first question by Dana. This journalist was early into the MMA scene and has earned a respected reputation for the way he reports. He has traveled the world covering fights and is an aspirational figure for those wanting to get into sports reporting.
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We needed an Uber from our hotel to the meeting point for our Wilderness trip. A group of dads and kids were gathering at a Starbucks for the 2-hour drive to St George in Utah. Much to my shock, when the Uber arrived, the driver was this famous journalist. After some initial discussion, confirming his identity, and talking about the UFC, I asked him about his decision to drive an Uber while going to report on the fights that night.

I was deeply moved by his response.

“I have a son who is 13 and he has his heart set on being a pilot. As good as sports reporting is and the opportunities it's given me, I want to make sure he has enough money to get the hours he needs in the air at a young age. So, instead of sitting at home and watching YouTube or Netflix, I get out and drive and put the money into an account for him to get time in the air. I want to support his dream and make sure the resources are there to make it happen.”

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During fight week in Vegas, all the attention goes to the fighters. The Headliners make all the money, seize the attention, and take the glory. Thousands of articles and opinions will be shared about who fought well, who belongs on the pound-for-pound list of best fighters, and who is the greatest in their weight class.

That weekend, two title fights were on the line. Neon billboards showed the fighters, and thousands travelled from around the world to watch them perform. For all intents and purposes, it was another week in the glory and greatness of the fight scene of Las Vegas.

Our culture is obsessed with this kind of greatness. We love winners, accomplishment, and recognition. We have opinions about how athletes perform and the legacy they leave. But it made me reflect on the illusion of greatness in our world today. Yes, there is something to acknowledge about an athlete’s skill and sacrifice. Yes, there is value in the economy created around a fight. But as I looked at the results of the fight when I got back from the trip, something else stood out to me. It was a different kind of greatness.

When we think of greatness in the world today, we often think about accomplishment, visibility, and recognition. This is not the same in the kingdom of God.
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According to Jesus, greatness is measured differently.

In the kingdom of God, greatness is defined as the sacrifice of self for the sake of others. In the world today, greatness often comes by sacrificing others for the sake of the self.

In Matthew 20:26-28 Jesus explains this.

“Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave, just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

In the kingdom of God, Jesus defines greatness by what we give, not what we achieve.

This brought back two comments to my mind.

Ilia Topuria, the man who went on to win the vacant UFC title in the lead-up to the fight, talked about his motivation to win. He talked about being recognized in the street and people coming up to him and having photos taken with him. He talked about being known, loved, and celebrated in his country. It seems that he now has this.

But I could not help but think about the trip in the Uber and the man driving for his son. Most people won’t recognize him, and I didn’t ask for a photo with him when he dropped us off, but I believe his motivation to give to his son is another form of greatness—not the kind seen in screaming fans, billboards, and pound-for-pound lists, but on the ones that matter. The people close to him know his sacrifice for them, done out of love.
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Jesus doesn’t rebuke us for wanting greatness; He just redirects it. He directs us away from destructive ambition to holy ambition—ambition that elevates others, washes feet, and pays the price—the kind Jesus showed that still draws us to Him thousands of years later.

I remember talking to a young woman at a Praxis event years ago. While we were talking, she kept bringing up how great her Dad was. Intrigued, I asked her to explain what made him great.

You have never heard of my Dad,” she said. “He hasn’t done anything that you would recognize, or anything that would get him attention. But he was always there. He sacrificed so much to be present in my life and provide for our family.”

Fellas, I want to exhort you to this kind of greatness—the sacrificial, behind-the-scenes, done-for-others kind of love—the kind that is overlooked by the masses but deeply valued by the company of heaven and those who need our love most.

The kind that drives an Uber behind the scenes, so that his son can ascend to greater heights.

Thanks for reading.

Cheers.

Jon.
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Discussion Questions:

  1. Reflect on these two versions of greatness: Biblical greatness is the sacrifice of self for the sake of others. Worldly greatness comes by sacrificing others for the sake of the self. Why is it so important to get this right in our hearts?

  2. Where do you see ambition in your life influenced by the subtle desire to escape insignificance? How is this playing out?

  3. Do you think it’s wrong to want to be great? How does Jesus address this in His teachings?

  4. Who in your life sacrificed for you to be where you are today? What can you do to thank them this week?

  5. What parts of your life are forming you into someone that can be trusted with power, safe with influence, and grounded in love?

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