Greatness and power are considered desirable qualities by most people. In fact, a person may spend their whole life in pursuit of them through monetary gain, personal fame and recognition. But, the true greatness of a man’s power is the measure of his surrender.
William Booth, preacher and founder of the Salvation Army, credited all of his success in evangelism and ministry to the complete surrender of his life to the Lord Jesus Christ; body, heart and soul.
This is a guest post by Beth Harris. She is a wife, mother, Bible study leader and volunteer editor for markalanwilliams.net.
It seems like most of the time I’m given an opportunity to serve God; I usually experience a crisis of faith before I surrender to Him. I fret and worry, wondering how I can do what He’s asking; or take a step of faith. Then I realize that of course I can’t do it in my own strength and ability.
So, I acknowledge my inability to Him in prayer and I express my dependence on Him, telling Him that unless I have His help, I can’t do anything. He then helps me to believe that He will provide what’s needed to accomplish the task. I prayerfully step out in faith and He is faithful and trustworthy, to empower and enable me every time. He never ceases to amaze me and leave me in awe of Him. He is so worthy of all glory and honor.
Some examples of people that society values as having achieved greatness and power are Celebrities, professional athletes and self-made individuals. We applaud, admire and affirm their prowess, authority, skill, expertise, mastery and competence.
True greatness is not achieved by an accumulation of wealth, status or fame.
But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave. 28 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:26-28 NLT)
God values humility and service as true greatness.
Matthew 18:1-4 says, “At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, ‘Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’ 2 And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them 3 and said, ‘Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.’” (ESV)
Jesus said we should humble ourselves like a child if we desire greatness in His Kingdom.
God doesn’t look at the outward appearance (1 Samuel 16:6-8), as we do. He uses people who may lack ability and are broken. He values people that society may consider insignificant, unimportant, unrecognized and marginalized.
Real power comes when we acknowledge our helplessness and weakness apart from the Lord. There is a famous quote, “God helps those who help themselves.” But, it isn’t in the Bible. He helps the helpless. He values dependence not independence, reliance on Him and not self -reliance.
Each time he said, ‘My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.’ So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9 NLT)
Power comes from recognizing our need for the Lord and those who admit their weakness to Him qualify as recipients for His strength.
To surrender and submit to God, is the only appropriate response for every Christian.
Romans 12:1 says, “And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.” (NLT)
The greatness of our power is the measure that we give in, yield, submit and surrender our lives to the Lord; because when we do, we gain Him and what could be better?
Have you surrendered your life to the Lord?
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