"Are you seeking great things for yourself? Don't do it!..." Jeremiah 45:5a
WOW! That is quite the question. Are we seeking great things for ourselves?
I personally cannot deny when there have been times that I would like to receive a few accolades for some incredible accomplishment. I no doubt erroneously associate acceptance with approval, position with popularity, friendship with fame, and respect with recognition. I confess that I sometimes desire to do something great. I want my life to be pleasing to the Lord, but what is my motivation? What is my purpose for longing for bigger dreams and larger visions? God cares so much more about who I am than what I do to achieve success. If given the choice, He will always choose character over competency. I tend to measure "great" and "small" by the world's standards, falling short of expectations...not God's...but mine.
Do I desperately seek great things, not so much for my own benefit, but so others can see God as great? Whose name will be remembered when all is said and done?
Lord, we often look at others who have achieved "greatness" in our eyes and we feel so insignificant. Remind us again that our worth is not found in what we do. Help us obey with greatness without seeking greatness in any task You ask of us. May we not qualify and rate opportunities You place before us, ranking them in order according to human understanding.
The card written and mailed...great.
The email of encouragement sent...great.
The surprise gift left on the porch...great.
The meal delivered...great.
The chore completed...great.
The word of blessing spoken...great.
The baby rocked...great.
The playtime at the park...great.
The prayer lifted...great.
The tears shared...great.
The forgiveness extended...great.
The misunderstanding covered in love...great.
The hug given...great.
The time in His Word...great.
The cold cup of water humbly given to just one in God's name has lasting value for eternity. May the only great thing we seek be You, for You alone are great.
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