Transformed into Greatness

Matthew 11: ¹¹ Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. ¹² From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been subjected to violence, and violent people have been raiding it. ¹³ For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John. ¹⁴ And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come. ¹⁵ Whoever has ears, let them hear.

============

A box of awards from various companies sits in a box for non to see. Accolades telling me how “great” I was pale into comparison to what I am going to become.

• Humans declare me “great” because of their sinful lenses.
• Humans defined a measure of “greatness” that only the sinful can achieve.
• Humans have missed the mark in terms of what greatness really is.

Human worship still happens in everyday conversations. People are so stuck on the mishaps of those in the news that no conversation about GOD can pierce the noise. GOD wants something different from me.

• GOD wants me to focus on HIS kingdom in the days where it is weird to speak about JESUS.
• GOD wants me to prophecy about HIS SON, meaning telling people of HIS imminent return.
• GOD wants me to stop waiting for something else to happen and start getting HIS kingdom ready.

John the Baptist was the greatest human to live, next to JESUS, yet John would not even be considered “great” in the kingdom of heaven. When GOD transforms my body into a “kingdom” body, I will be “great.” All my earthly deeds will be checked and measured against how I served GOD by serving humans.

Greatness has a different definition to GOD. Pointing my life towards JESUS is the definition of great to HIM.

• Are you ready for greatness?
• Do you seek the accolades of humans or of GOD?
• Can you stop chasing human affirmation and seek GOD’s kingdom that is under fire around you?

Planning for the Future

Psalm 61: ¹ Hear my cry, O God;
    listen to my prayer.

² From the ends of the earth I call to you,
    I call as my heart grows faint;
    lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
³ For you have been my refuge,
    a strong tower against the foe.

============

What will they say about me at my funeral? I mean will they say that I worked hard and accumulated a great amount of wealth for myself? Will they say I had a wonderful title at whatever company? I wonder.

• Sometimes I chase pleasing the crowd.
• Sometimes I try to be what everyone else wants me to be.
• Sometimes I live to meet someone else’s expectations.

Getting accolades for being a corporate warrior sounds great on paper. I mean I received status, wealth and a little fame. But GOD called me out of this path and onto a new one. HE woke me up to see people who are in need and desires that I serve them with all my heart, no matter who they are or what they believe.

This is a different calling that leaves no legacy. I mean who will remember getting served or prayed for? With busy lives, people soon forget they received prayer and GOD granted them solitude. At the end of my life I desire more than a legacy.

• At the end of my life I want GOD so say “Well done my good and faithful servant.”
• At the end of my life I want GOD to wipe away my tears and point me to eternity.
• At the end of my life I want GOD to give me rewards that I never would have expected.

David recognized his need for GOD early. In order to be ready for a full life serving GOD, I have to start early. I have to begin dropping off the need to be dependent on the world and relying on GOD for direction and delivery. HE provides and HE has plans for me that are far greater than any I could have for myself. HE is my refuge and leads me to the rock upon which I can build my foundation.

• Are you tired?
• Do you feel you are working yourself to death?
• Have you given GOD a little time this week to serve who HE wants you to serve?
• Are you seeking a legacy to yourself or rewards in heaven?
• Will you serve someone today without the need to get an accolade here on earth?

Humble Is Great Medicine

1 Chronicles 12: ¹² Because Rehoboam humbled himself, the Lord’s anger turned from him, and he was not totally destroyed. Indeed, there was some good in Judah.

============

Desiring a promotion, I observed how “those on the move” would talk. They would take credit for other folks work and brag about themselves. I thought, “Let me try that.” “I” did this and “I” did that was added to my speech. I wish I could remember who said this to me but someone looked at me disappointed and said “I thought you were different.”

• When I am insecure I point to myself to get praise.
• When I want status I point to myself to get noticed.
• When I desire accolades I ask people to tell me how great I’m doing to grow my ego.

One problem with pointing at me is it takes the eyes off of GOD. Many people begin looking at me and even marveling at my title, status and stuff, meanwhile they are distracted from who really is providing the blessings.

• GOD wants me to humble myself in order to point people to HIM.
• GOD wants me to lower how I think of myself in a healthy way.
• GOD wants me to consider HIS strength in all my plans so that I can never brag or boast.

GOD doesn’t want me to take credit for any accomplishment I have achieved. In fact I am truly supposed to give HIM praise for everything I have. Humbling myself also means I do not “deserve” any blessing I get. I don’t deserve great service but should be thankful when I get it.

Humbleness adds a level of gratitude that enables GOD’s blessings to flow.

• Are you demanding?
• Do you think you “deserve” to be treated better?
• Can you humble yourself and open your eyes to the blessings GOD is pouring out on you already?

In memory of Willie Edwards