Seven Longings of the Human Heart - Longing #4: Longing for Greatness

 I'm continuing with sharing my brief descriptions of longing #4, referring to the "Seven Longings of the Human Heart," by Mick Bickle & Deborah Heibert's book.

If you would like a copy of the book, you can find it at ihopkc,  Amazon, or Christianbooks.com. (I'm not getting any commission mentioning this book or sharing links.)

 

 

Longing #4:

Longing for Greatness

God gives us opportunities to be great in His kingdom, yet from an opposing stance from the world. Rather than pushing/striving our way up to the "top" and not considering others, the way for being considered "great" by God is through meekness and faithfulness in serving and loving others. This should not be a formula for achieving a "greatness" status. 

It is actually in "being" kind, full of love, that motivates us to serve others -- that is what makes us great in the kingdom. It is actually being Christ-like. In our inheritance, He rewards us -- this is not what can be earned through self-promotion or self-exaltation. And He is a great rewarder!

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Growing up, the word "great" was not really mentioned with the word "Christian." It may have been a cultural emphasis or just fear trying to control pride from springing up in a bunch of youth, so reading about how we can be "great" in God's kingdom almost seems wrong. It was a lie that had to be broken and redefined by God and His word. 

"The greatest among you must be a servant. But those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted."  Matthew 23:11-12

There's this phrase in Christianity, "The upside-down, inside-out, kingdom of God." This funny phrase talks about how God does not think as humans think, nor does He expect or want His kingdom to run like earthly kingdoms. 

Believe it or not, He REALLY cares about people. Pride is one of the most dangerous obstructions to connection and also being great in God's kingdom. When pride gets in the way, it really limits one value to a bar they have chosen for themselves, and at the same time devalues others who do not reach that man-made bar.

The kingdom of God runs on love and service to God and to others. When this is done with authentic intention, it gets the attention of heaven.

'“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”

Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment.  And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”'  Matthew 22:36-30

What are your definitions of "greatness"?

Take some time to ask God if that is what He defines as "greatness."

Ask Him how to move in greatness in His kindgom.