Relentless striving for greatness often drives people to whatever it takes to fulfill their goals. Many misinterpret their capacity for greatness to mean worldly achievements. 20 years later, we may be at the peak of our careers, with houses, cars, and luxury travel but, to be brutally honest, it only leaves us empty and disappointed.
How does God feel about this? He created us, planting the seed of greatness deep within, only to watch us pursue a wrong fulfillment. He longs for us to position our hearts rightly and draw satisfaction from Him with a more excellent plan to nurture and attain the greatness in us.
60 years after Jesus ascended to His Father, He spoke to the seven Asia Minor churches through Apostle John. To the Laodicean Church, Jesus gave a great promise – “To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My Throne” (Revelation 3:21).
Fascinating Scripture. Every creature stands or falls on their faces in God’s Presence yet this passage spoke of saints sitting.
The pinnacle that the seed of greatness brings us to is authority surpassing even highest-ranking angels. To sit on the Throne with Jesus surely sates our cry to be great to the uttermost. Even if invited to the Istana, we do not sit behind the President’s desk. To do so is an act of ultimate presumption and disrespect.
Imagine John hearing for the first time – “Sit with Him on His throne? Is that possible? What does that mean?” It means we rule and reign with Him – surely the apex of the seed of greatness, the Bride of Christ sits beside the Bridegroom, called to this level of greatness.
During His ministry, Jesus never rebuked His disciples’ desire to be great. He only taught them the way to true greatness.
’Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.’ Matthew 5:19
‘But Jesus called them to Himself and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave.”’ Matthew 20:25-27
However, there’s much work before we can be co-heirs with Christ. Fortunately, He never calls us to anything without a way and process to prepare us. God’s way to greatness is entirely different from human nature. Going low, becoming a servant is the Kingdom route to greatness.
We at times misunderstand our roles. We want to be all we can be thinking if we don’t maximise every opportunity, we’ll miss out. So we seek the highest position in life, believing it’s God’s will for us. We believe that, to live out the desire for greatness, we must push, shove, grab our way to the top. Most never make it; a few become great but only till someone knocks them off their perch.
What a tragedy if, at the end of our lives, time was wasted grasping for greatness in the world’s eyes while forgoing greatness in eternity!
Many put their eggs in the wrong basket. We expend life energy to be big in the world’s eyes, becoming successful or impacting peers. We become so enraptured by apparent success, greatness, and status as to neglect qualities that make us great in the age to come.
I unabashedly desire to be great, but not just for 70 years on earth at the expense of eternity. In fact, I’d gladly give up my peers’ praises to hear the Lord say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
God planted in us the seed of greatness which may have nothing to do with our bank accounts, social media followers, size of ministry, how many people know us, or even how many miracles we perform. While all these may be good and legitimate, the ultimate greatness that God desires for us transcends them all.
When our hearts awaken to how God views and defines greatness, something changes inside us. We become confident in our value, worth, and greatness before Him. We realise it’s not outward appearance and human definition. We gain strength walking our unique God-given path in life as apparent failure in man’s eyes doesn’t affect us, and having a small ministry doesn’t shake us.
Hiddenness and waiting on God’s promises won’t discourage us. Instead, we’re firmly rooted in the revelation of eternity and our hearts are energised to be wholly surrendered to Him.
Also read The Seed of Greatness (Part 1).
