The Case for Greatness

We make a decision every day whether we exist on a plane of mediocrity or if we will challenge ourselves and our circumstances for a higher purpose. This decision is not usually expressed with words or even considered thoughtfully by most of us when we make it, but rather it is decided in the quiet moments and insignificant actions that choose to or not to participate.

When I think of great people that I have known, I am not reminded of millionaires, successful businessmen, wealth, extravagance or prosperity, rather I think of the men and women in my life who have expressed greatness in thier service to myself and others.

So if I were to challenge myself to be "great", what would I expect of myself?

1. I need to be more gentle & patient.

2 Timothy 2:24
The Lord's slave must not quarrel, but must be gentle to everyone, able to teach and patient, instructing his opponents with gentleness.

If my heart is to be heard above my words, then my words must be softer, more gentle and patience must overcome temperance. A great man is always in control of his temper, emotions and behavior. A great man can express anger without violence, tears without calamity and love unbidden by judgement.

2. I need to use wisdom.

Proverbs 17:27-28
The intelligent person restrains his words, and one who keeps a cool head is a man of understanding. Even a fool is considered wise when he keeps silent, discerning, when he seals his lips.

There is no fault in taking your time to respond so that your words are considered carefully. To allow circumstances to affect you to the point where your tongue operates independently of your spirit, is emotionally immature. You can always apologize for hurtful words, but they can never be retracted. Silence truly can be golden.

3. I need to be an example.

1 Timothy 4:12

No one should despise your youth; instead you should be an example to the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.

The degree to which you affect those around you is resultant of the effort you make to be effective. My words and actions should be an example to believers. The truth is that they already are, they are either a poor example, acceptable example or great example.

4. I need to be humble.

1 Peter 5:5-7

And all of you clothe yourselves with humilty toward one another, because God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, so that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, because He cares about you.

A great man or woman is known by thier character and behavior, humility is the mark of one who walks in grace and makes no pretense or show of it, but accepts that it is a huge responsibility to be revered and respected.

I thank God that I can be myself in His kingdom and do not have to sacrifice myself for the sake of inclusion. In my own way, I am set apart in the kingdom, because my gifts and callings are my own and they are no greater nor less than those of other men and women. I am proud that God can use my sense of humor for His good. May I continue to grow towards greatness while understanding the mantle of responsibility I carry for those who are around me.

May God take me, in total, not withstanding growth and change, but make me great, because good is not good enough.