Knowing God and experiencing greatness – Part 3

Unless we know who God is, our pursuit of greatness will end up being a mere self-seeking venture. How easy it is to expend time and energy seeking and pursuing shadows of no eternal value. The Christian’s quest for greatness should never be for self-glorification but God’s glory (2 Cor.10: 17-18).

Repeatedly, the Psalmist reminded us that God is awesomely great, and that His greatness is beyond human comprehension. Only a fool, therefore, would not seek God’s blessings for greatness.

“Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; And His greatness is unsearchable” (Psalms 145:3 NKJV).‬

“For You are great, and do wondrous things; You alone are God” (Psalms 86:10 NKJV).

“Great is our Lord, and mighty in power; His understanding is infinite” (Psalms 147:5 NKJV).‬

The Christian calling is not primarily a call to greatness, but a call to humble service. However, none would doubt that God brings us to the place of greatness through our endowed talents, bestowed gifts, skills and educational achievements. God desires that we excel in our vocations and in whatever we do in life. Through that, we become shining examples of the glory of our Creator.

It is not for nothing that God, in His grace and wisdom, chose to bless us in Christ. Through Christ, He has endowed us with special talents and gifts and creative ideas that sets us apart from our peers in society. Talents, gifts and skills make a man into a genius. They lift one from the lower rungs of life to prominence in society, and bring recognition and honour to us before the world and before God.

You only need to look at the cluster of talents and gifted people in the field of sports, entertainment, academia, business and other professions to appreciate the blessings of God. Many of these people succeed in life because of their God-given endowments. Our talents, giftings, skills and intelligence notwithstanding, only God can make one great. After all, many gifted and talented people work very hard, but hardly make it in life.

A vast array of opportunities abounds in life. We can call the 21st century the age of limitless opportunities. Those who explore these opportunities with their gifts and talents proffer solutions to life’s challenges. Providing solutions to life’s problems and serving others brings us to the place of prominence and excellence. The book of Proverbs contains nuggets of wisdom and inspirational words, which could spur anyone to greatness, if we heed them.

Two Bible characters whose lives attest to God’s greatness are Abraham and David. Of Abraham, the Bible says, “since Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him?” (Genesis 18:18 NKJV).‬

Of David, it was written, “So, David went on and became great, and the Lord God of hosts was with him” (II Samuel5:10 NKJV).‬

“And I have been with you wherever you have gone, and have cut off all your enemies from before you, and have made you a great name, like the name of the great men who are on the earth” (II Samuel 7:9NKJV).‬

Greatness lies in knowing God and fulfilling His purpose for our lives. Those who have the seed of God in them have the potential for greatness. But like every seed, it must be nurtured and groomed. If we are images of a great God, then there is no stopping to what we could become in life.

Contact:pastoracukachi@hotmail.com