Welcome to Three-Peat Tuesday!
Each weekly blog will contain three P’s: Pillar, Principle and Practical, all geared towards nourishing you on your personal and spiritual growth journey.
Pillar: Origins of Greatness
“A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given him from heaven”-John 3:27 (ESV)
Principle: Habits of Greatness
The pursuit of greatness is a double-edged sword. On one hand, we should all be desirous of achieving excellence since we only get one life to live. On the other hand, though, an obsession with greatness can lead to deadly pride and idolatry.
Consider the scene in the Gospels where Jesus’ disciples came to him asking, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”(Matthew 18:1) It’s hard to discern much spiritual maturity in that debate. A dangerous spirit of self-exaltation was not far from their hearts.
Does it now mean that we must avoid pursuing greatness? Surely not! Go after it with vigour and determination. Yet, there is a key to unlocking its power. It is simply this: remember the true source. Ultimately, greatness comes from above. It is an act of grace, so no one can boast.
The people who acknowledge their utter nothingness without God are on the pathway to greatness. Of course, each of us must do our part. If we just ask God to embellish the gifts that he has given us, and we do not cultivate habits of discipline, then forget it. The divine and the human must come together.
This was John the Baptist’s message in John 3:27 above. None of us can receive even one thing unless it came from heaven. Such a philosophy leaves no room for the self-made man or woman, notwithstanding all of their commendable sacrifices. Diligence without humility is short-sighted and short-lived.
Practical: Spreading Greatness
Do not let a day pass without acknowledging God and thanking him for at least one thing that he has graciously given to you. This is where greatness begins.
If you were inspired by this blog, please consider sharing it with one other person today. To learn more about these and other related themes that promote the cultivation of an integrated inner self, read UNBEATABLE! which is now available on Amazon in print and as an e-book.
This Post Has 4 Comments
I am nothing without Almighty God. Nothing is done without God’s Permission. We have no knowledge but what is given by God. Currently we are experiencing a pandemic and we all are wondering why? As stated in the bible, We must repent and turn from our wicked ways and turn to God for our solutions (paraphrased). So if we are to succeed we must seek God’s guidance for the solutions. Almighty God will give us the solutions but we must seek it from him alone. The Vaccines will work only if God gives us (scientists) the right formula to develop the vaccine for it to work. We cannot trust in the vaccine, we have to trust in God and take the vaccine. I hope that we can understand which comes first.
I am hearing that if we are fully vaccinated that we can have the mother of all carnival in 2022. Why we are not saying that if we are all saved from this pandemic, our lives can return to normalcy and people suffering will end. Children can return to school and mothers and fathers can return to their jobs so that their families can be fed. God is listening to our intentions. Let us learn for our history, Almighty God is in charge of everything and when we deviate he creates situation to remind us who is in control for our benefit.
Let’s pray to the only ONE in control for healing of our land.
Thanks for allowing me to contribute.
Dear Mushtaque, Thank you for your heartfelt, deep and mature perspectives on our need to humble ourselves before the sovereignty of God. It is very much appreciated.
Truly. Everything we have comes from God. It can be ease to forget that when we may be achieving many things in this life. It is good to remember and to know that we rely on a high power for everything that we will receive.
Good sharing.
You are correct, Allison. When we experience success, sometimes we forget where it all started. Thanks for sharing.