Still looking at the character of John the Baptist, challenged and captivated with what came from the mouth of Jesus about him, “Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.” (Matt 11:11) I want to examine his life and see why he was so great spiritually like no other man on earth. Not only was he willing to sacrifice his own comfort and time, he brought forth the message of grace. “And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace. For the law was given by Moses, [but] grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.” (John 1:16-17) This is the second effective benchmark of effective outreach and worship. We can’t acquire heaven, eternal life, or a relationship with God by our good works or deeds, but it is by His grace, an unmerited gift. “Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised [us] up together, and made [us] sit together in heavenly [places] in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in [his] kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: [it is] the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” (Eph 2:5-9) The apostle Paul reminds us that it is the revelation of God’s goodness that leads to repentance. We turn from our own self-directed pursuits and live for Jesus. “Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?” (Rom 2:4) I think on how Jesus has revealed His goodness to me. I think on how He has shown His perfect love, joy, and abundant blessing to us. This is what keeps me close to Him. His goodness!