“Do not neglect the spiritual gift within you...”
~1Tim. 4:14a (NASB)
Good Monday Morning! Today we are picking up from last week and finishing out the first leg of our series on Greatness. Last week we spoke about understanding and embracing whatever degree of complexity God has designed our "Greatness." This week we find that the first key to our Greatness is identifying the gifts and talents God gave us.
Whether we find ourselves among those who are "labelled" or not, one thing is true, God has given each of us specific “talents.” He has entrusted us with these valuables to benefit us and mankind; and, they have been given to us freely. It is our responsibility however to recognize, cultivate, and utilize these gifts. What a waste if we are not aware, or worse, too afraid to acknowledge the gift within. And what a blessing for mankind, yes even a miracle (as we have pointed out above), when we confidently embrace and lovingly share our treasure with those in need. Acknowledging and embracing our greatness is not arrogance, it is humility. Leaning on that greatness keeps us both humble and submitted. It helps us realize that greatness is nothing we have done, it is simply what was given to us as the likeness and image of God. And then it compels us to use that greatness in honor of the One who gave it. That is true humility!
So to wrap of defining Greatness I will say this: The true definition of greatness is as unique to each individual as the individuals themselves are unique. It is to be defined for the individual, by the individual, based on their internal gifts and talents that become worth pursuing and sharing with passion and the intent of making a difference. Although our greatness can not be defined or restricted by life, it can be stagnated by we ourselves. We are our only hindrance to greatness as we can often be our own biggest skeptic. Therefore, once we realize that we have the ability to achieve greatness (by using what God gave us), and that only our personal definition of greatness is what really matters, then we can begin to actively engage in the practice of being that great individual we were designed to be.
So, Friends, as we continue this journey by moving on to "Displaying Greatness," please remember that Greatness is not defined by those you compare yourself to. Greatness is just part of who we are and how we are designed; we all have one Gift that is universally the same: We are all created "In God's Image!" What a GREAT blessing to have that understanding!!!
Whether we find ourselves among those who are "labelled" or not, one thing is true, God has given each of us specific “talents.” He has entrusted us with these valuables to benefit us and mankind; and, they have been given to us freely. It is our responsibility however to recognize, cultivate, and utilize these gifts. What a waste if we are not aware, or worse, too afraid to acknowledge the gift within. And what a blessing for mankind, yes even a miracle (as we have pointed out above), when we confidently embrace and lovingly share our treasure with those in need. Acknowledging and embracing our greatness is not arrogance, it is humility. Leaning on that greatness keeps us both humble and submitted. It helps us realize that greatness is nothing we have done, it is simply what was given to us as the likeness and image of God. And then it compels us to use that greatness in honor of the One who gave it. That is true humility!
So to wrap of defining Greatness I will say this: The true definition of greatness is as unique to each individual as the individuals themselves are unique. It is to be defined for the individual, by the individual, based on their internal gifts and talents that become worth pursuing and sharing with passion and the intent of making a difference. Although our greatness can not be defined or restricted by life, it can be stagnated by we ourselves. We are our only hindrance to greatness as we can often be our own biggest skeptic. Therefore, once we realize that we have the ability to achieve greatness (by using what God gave us), and that only our personal definition of greatness is what really matters, then we can begin to actively engage in the practice of being that great individual we were designed to be.
So, Friends, as we continue this journey by moving on to "Displaying Greatness," please remember that Greatness is not defined by those you compare yourself to. Greatness is just part of who we are and how we are designed; we all have one Gift that is universally the same: We are all created "In God's Image!" What a GREAT blessing to have that understanding!!!
"Run Your Race"
I have put the blinders on
I am coming around the home stretch
Finally the race has come down to
the battle between what I have accomplished
and what I am capable of
I have never bet more on the latter
Risking it all has never felt more right
The goal never more in sight
Throwing off weariness, discouragement,
distractions has never been more vital
I'm running my own race now.
~dlb
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