Epic Bible College

The Greatest

Posted on 10. Aug, 2009 by abdrumm in Devotional Thoughts

By David Pineschi

I just finished reading the book, “The Seven Longings of the Human Heart” by Mike Bickle. Each of the Seven longings spoke to my heart and helped me have a clearer perspective on my desires and there need to be filled. One of the biggest questions I asked myself out of the book, is how am I going to fill these God placed longings within me? They are all meant to be satisfied in God, but often times we can pursue the satisfaction of these longings through the world, sin, people, money, fame, etc. All of the longings spoke to me very much, but I wanted to share some of my thoughts on the “Longing for Greatness”, with you.

We all long to do something great. To be noticed. To matter. To do something impactful. God has definitely placed in you and me a desire to be great in some dimension. Your definition of greatness will determine how you pursue this longing. So, how will you and I carry this out? Greatness will either be pursued either by prideful earthly means or with a humble eternal perspective.

Prideful earthly greatness is achieved by focusing on me. Getting what I can with no regard for others. Focusing on the task with little or no care for my brother or sister. These so called earthly achievements and temporal greatness may require you to step on a couple of people. In the long run what will all of this give me? We’ll still yearn for more and more. It doesn’t give peace of mind. As Mike Bickle said, the greatness or achievements are like a “dirt clod throne.” It’s complete rubbish and fleeting. At some point, even on this “dirt clod throne” Someone else will come along and take it.

The Humble eternal greatness is achieved by realizing I have already attained greatness because of Christ’s inheritance to His Bride. Why should I pursue a “dirt clod throne” when I will sit and reign with Christ. This greatness cannot be matched by any earthly means. So then, what shall we do now? Yes, do great exploits for God, be and do all God has for you, but let your motivation be rooted out of love in Him, not on self promotion, or selfishness, etc. Be humble of heart, meek, be tender, and forgiving. Consider others better than yourself.

Jesus was our greatest example of this. He said to “Love one another” To be first you must be last” “Those who humble themselves will be the greatest” The rich young ruler was a great example. Here was a young man who basically had it all but lacked one thing. This rich young ruler became so attached to what he had (wealth, possessions, position, and notoriety – All dirt clod thrones) that he was deceived. He was deceived in thinking that this is greatness and he could not give it up.

To live out or greatness we must see, through God’s Spirit, the inheritance we have been given. This inheritance is freely given by the grace of God. Our lives now should demonstrate Christ’s life. Be humble, gracious, tender and forgiving. Above all Love your neighbor. Become fully aware of who you are in Christ. Knowing who I am should destroy any false Pride. Having no confidence in the flesh and to view yourself in sober judgment. In His unfailing love and mercy what earthly pride, possessions, or position do I need? It will all vanish soon. “So, why be a beggar when you are a king?” Why desire acclaim from man when you are God’s bride. Greatness is displayed in a humble life and knowing your greatness is secure here in the now and to come. Mike Bickle gave this story about the Thief on the cross when he went to heaven. “When the thief went to heaven an angel came up to him and said here is your crown and take your seat on the throne. The thief was confused…” Later he said if he knew he was a king he would never have acted like a thief. For what needs does a King have?

When reading this I was thinking a lot of myself. It made me ask myself, do I take too much pride in my work for selfish reasons, am I treating people with a humble heart, Am I gentle and do I consider the needs of others, and am I loving in my actions?

Be faithful in the little.