Achieving Greatness

People are often misguided into thinking that to achieve greatness then selfish desires must be on display.  From an early age, the passion for aspiring for more has been ingrained into our psyche. We want a higher salary, corner office, lofty titles, etc. as the perception of having these things will validate our identity. However, our source of identity is never found in the things that we own. Our source comes only from the One who formed and fashioned us when we were in our mother’s womb. Additionally, greatness we desire is not obtained by achieving these things.

Many books, articles, and speeches have been given on how to achieve greatness.  Most follow the concepts that have been outlined by Margret Thatcher namely:

1. Working Hard
2. Raise the bar higher
3. Quitting is not an option
4. Stand up for your ideals
5. Take action

Although these principles if applied may enable one to reach their goal of obtaining material things. These actually does not indeed allow one to become great. Greatness in its truest form can only be achieved through selfless service. Now I know that with technology most individuals are trying to prove just how selfless they are by helping others and recording or live streaming their actions. Sometimes these things are done to get notoriety which does not please our Maker. True selflessness is not focused on gaining a platform but loving and serving others where they are even if there is no spotlight.

The Bible states that whoever wants to be a leader must be a servant. God’s ways are always different from the ways of men. To be great then one has to submit themselves to God’s leading. Our thoughts have to be transformed by God so that we can know His will for our lives and be pleasing unto Him.

Do you want to be great? Well, give yourself completely over to God and let Him lead. It is within reach, just ahead if we allow Him to direct our path.

Prayer: Lord help us to surrender our lives completely to You and Your leading. Let the spirit of obedience rest on us so that we will walk in the precepts and statutes that You have outlined. Help us to surrender our emotions to You so that anxiety does not subdue us. Remind us continually that Your ways and thoughts are higher than ours. Strengthen us to resist the values of the world and the pressure to conform to its ideologies. Empower us to pursue the kind of life that You have created us to obtain. Amen.

3/26/17 Dr. R.A.