God is behind all true greatness.
That’s the thought that crossed my mind as I worked through an earlier conversation with my kids.
What was I trying to tell them as we shared a few moments before school? I thought through our conversation and in a nutshell what I expressed to them was “God is behind all true greatness.”
Did I believe it?
Do you?
Have you ever talked with a young child about money? It’s funny how $100 to a child seems like a million. When you grow up, you realize $100 doesn’t take you very far.
And what is it about children? They want to be famous. Some say, “I want to be a famous professional ball player when I grow up.” “I want to be a famous singer.” “I want to be a famous actor.” My kids want to be famous.
Somewhere inside, before dreams get buried under the load of life, there is a desire for greatness. As we grow up and see that our childhood dreams were quite unrealistic, we aspire to greatness in other ways – more attainable ways – greatness in the scope of our influence and experiences. Perhaps we know we will never be famous, but we intend to succeed at our plans.
Think about 2014. Maybe you’ve made a few goals. Maybe this year represents a new chapter for you. Maybe you are more motivated than ever to strive for greatness.
This is the conversation I had with my children just yesterday. I said,
Guys, 2014 is a new year. I’m not so much interested in having well-behaved kids, or smart kids, or ‘successful’ kids. I’m interested in having kids whose hearts are on fire for Jesus. Because when you love Jesus with all of your heart, all the other things fall into place. And, you know what? That’s what Jesus wants. He has great things in store for this year and you won’t come by them by aspiring to any self-made goals or agendas. His plans come through your abiding in and seeking after him and everything He does is great. If you want to live in abundance, surrender to His plan. It’s the path to true greatness.
On my way home from dropping them at school, I replayed our conversation in my mind. What was the whole point I was getting at with them? I spoke it out loud.
God is behind all true greatness.
Look at Jesus’ example in the goal that was set before him: For I have come down from heaven to do the will of God who sent me, not to do my own will. John 6:38
Would you say Jesus lived a life of greatness?
Over the past day or so, the thought of greatness and how people might define it have been swirling in my head.
Nobel Peace Prize.
Olympic Medal.
Billionaire Status.
Superbowl.
An Oscar.
High Political Position.
I would agree that in the context of this world, all of these things are forms of “greatness”.
Then I think of the passage James 4:14 ~ How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone.
“Greatness” that lasts for 70 years?
And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Mark 8:36
Shouldn’t true greatness be timeless? Not in a sense of, “Hey, remember that time when I was great? When I was recognized for an achievement? When I obtained that status? When I received that accolade or award?”
Can greatness endure?
I’ve come to the conclusion – Only the Greatness of God.
God is behind all true greatness.
So what’s my point? How do I put into words what I mean by all of this?
What if, at the end of our lives, we are like the child I spoke of in the beginning of this blog? We’ve been thinking all along we are rich because we have $100 – only to find, we settled for way to little.
What if in our accomplishments we find we’ve sold ourselves short…made a bad investment of our lives.
Don’t get me wrong, I have goals for 2014.
I signed up for a half-marathon…gotta say, I’m a little nervous but intent.
I want to de-clutter my house. Another 2014 goal.
I could go on.
But I don’t mistake them for true fulfillment, for true greatness.
The beauty of true greatness lies in a God who is great.
True greatness is eternal and is accomplished in us by our eternal God.
“To whom then will you liken Me That I would be his equal?” says the Holy One. Lift up your eyes on high and see who has created these stars, The One who leads forth their host by number, He calls them all by name; Because of the greatness of His might and the strength of His power, Not one of them is missing. Isaiah 40:25-26
For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother’s womb. I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, And my soul knows it very well.… Psalm 139:13-14
How do I achieve greatness? Through surrender.
For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. Philippians 2:13
However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me–the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace. Acts 20:24
Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added unto you. Matthew 6:33
Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Eph 3:20
I cry out to God Most High, to God who will fulfill his purpose for me. Psalm 57:2
Have you settled for the hundred dollar bill?
Have you given up on “greatness”?
Today be encouraged to set your heart on God. He is True Greatness and makes life truly great.
