Desiring Greatness

"And David became more and more powerful, because the LORD of Heaven's Armies was with him." 1 Chronicles 11:9

Is is wrong to desire greatness? Is it wrong to want to be powerful and desire to be recognized as someone of importance? It depends. What are your motives for your desire for greatness? If your motives are rooted in personal pride, arrogance, and greed, then your desire for greatness is wrong. It most likely isn't of God. If your motive is in alignment with God's will, then your desire for greatness is rooted in righteousness. You see it's okay to desire greatness for the right reasons. What are the right reasons for desiring greatness, recognition, and power? To bring God glory and honor, to desire God to use you to point others to Him, and allow Him to use your position, power, or influence for His Works - just to name a few. Of course, any power, greatness, authority, or wealth that we have are because of Him in the first place.

I had a young lady tell me once that she wanted to be an elementary school teacher. She went on to say she wanted to be the BEST teacher in the school so that parents would ask for her by name for their children. When I asked why, she said she just wanted to be the best teacher because she wanted to be better than anyone else. Her answer disturbed me. I guess, personally, I was searching for a deeper meaning in her answer. As a teacher, I do desire to be a great teacher, but I desire to be a great teacher for two reasons. The first reason is to bring God glory. Through being a great teacher I serve Him with honor. The second reason I want to be a great teacher is for my students. I want them to have the best teacher possible to prepare them for the future. The same is true for the children's ministry. I want to the the best children's pastor possible in serving the God I love so much. I also desire to be a great children's pastor for the sake of the children I love and serve with the passion of Christ!

If you desire greatness, examine your motives behind this desire. Ask God to reveal to you any motives where you fall short of His Will. Then ask for His help in aligning your desire for greatness with His Purpose. He put that desire for greatness in you for a reason. He will use it to achieve great things through YOU if you wholly submit yourself to Him. And once you do...the Lord of Heaven's Armies will be with You!

Grace and Peace!
In His Love,
Cathy