Saturday, December 10, 2005

Made for Greatness

You were made for great things. God has a purpose for your life. No one else can fulfill your purpose. You are unique.

These are common themes emphasized by spiritual leaders. And often the focus is on “doing” and “vocation”. However, I think these themes have as much or more to do with “being” and “relating”.

I think “what we do” is less important than “who we are”.

Yet, when I hear a message about God’s calling, my first response is to think about what I am doing and what I could be doing for God. I compare myself to the men and women in history who have made a difference, who did great things. And I want to do great things for God.

There’s definitely nothing wrong with healthy ambition.

However, I think that I miss something when I think only in terms of “doing”. I miss what is perhaps most unique to me – “being” me in relationships. No one on this earth can be me to another person. It’s just not possible. And no one else can be you to another person.

Your greatest assets are not your abilities. Your greatest assets are the things that make you you. No one on this earth has the relationships you have with other people. No one else can relate to your mom like you can. I’m not saying you have a great relationship with your mom. I’m just saying that no one can take your place in her life.

No one else can fulfill your purpose in your relationships. In this, we are all unique. In this, we are all made for greatness.

Friday, December 02, 2005

God's Heart

A glimpse into the heart of God as spoken through Jeremiah:

I want to forgive.

I satisfied your deepest needs, and then you went off.

Your bad behavior blinds you.
Your sins keep my blessings at a distance.
You have no conscience.
You stand for nothing.
You stand up for no one.

Even then, as bad as it will be, it will not be the end of the world for you.