Make America Great Again (MAGA) is a political campaign slogan that seeks to capture the hearts of voters by suggesting that, if a particular candidate is elected, the nation will return to its former greatness. This idea resonates deeply with many people who yearn for renewal, pride, and a brighter future.

Interestingly, MAGA can also serve as a metaphor beyond politics. Consider the story of Steve Jobs and Apple. Jobs, after being fired from the company he co-founded, was later brought back when Apple was on the brink of collapse. Under his leadership, Apple was revived and rose to become one of the world’s most valuable and innovative companies. In that sense, we could say it became a true “Make Apple Great Again” moment.

This idea can even be localized or personalized. I now live in Taipei, and I might say, “MATA”—Make Taipei Great Again. My hometown is Madou, a small farming village. I could say, “MAMA”—Make Madou Great Again—expressing a desire to see my hometown grow from a quiet rural area into a thriving and lively community

But how do we actually make a person, a city, or a nation great again? Do we need a visionary like Steve Jobs, a strong leader like Winston Churchill, or a philosopher like Plato imagined to govern with wisdom? Is greatness found in strategies, charisma, or power?

King David gives us a different answer in one of his psalms: “Your gentleness has made me great.” David understood that it wasn’t through God’s overwhelming force or glory that he became great—it was through God’s humility and kindness. The all-powerful God stooped down to show love and patience to a man like David. That gentleness transformed him.

This same spirit is seen in Jesus, who came not to be served, but to serve. True greatness, then, comes not from asserting power but from humbling ourselves to lift others up. To make someone, or somewhere, truly great again requires not control or dominance, but gentleness, service, and love.