Today many people are left feeling that they are never going to be significant enough to make a real difference in this world. And so they are left thinking that they should just sit and wait for the world to change. In one of his songs, John Mayer suggests that:
We see everything that’s going wrong
With the world and those who lead it
We just feel like we don’t have the means
To rise above and beat it
So we keep waiting
Waiting on the world to change
We keep on waiting
Waiting on the world to change[1]
Ever felt like this? Have you ever thought that no matter what you did, it would not really make a difference? If you said yes, you are definitely not alone!
For all who have ever made you feel like there was nothing that you could do and that you were destined for mediocrity, they were absolutely wrong! The truth is that you and I were created for greatness. You read that right! You were created to do something great. The Creator of the Universe is not only great but He created us to be great, just like Him! [2]
Source of Greatness
Some people are born into great families with great opportunities. But the great news is that for the vast majority of the world, we are born into ordinary circumstances. That’s right, this is great news! Why? Because this gives a much bigger opportunity to show forth just how great God is. That’s not to suggest that God’s greatness can’t be seen with those born into extraordinary life experiences but there is something utterly inspirational about how God can take a simple fisherman like the Apostle Peter and use him to preach one of the most transformative sermons ever preached, or a prostitute like Mary of Egypt to serve as one of the greatest models of a transformed life. Just like the two of them probably did not know it at the time, many people today don’t realize it either. We were created for greatness.
Where Do I Sign Up?
As a good friend once said to me, “the greatest ability that God needs is our availability.” That’s why in Hebrews 6, the author helps us to see that the starting place for a fruitful crop – that can be used to bless others – is that the land must drink in the rain that falls on it (v. 7). No rain meant, that no matter how great the soil and the seeds were, there would be no crops. The message is simple! Greatness in life starts by partnering up with God to do something really great in our lives.
Choosing to Turn Away from Vice
Unfortunately just being available to God doesn’t mean that greatness will flow out of our lives. Choosing greatness means that we must also turn away from the vices in our lives. Don’t get me wrong, there are many people who are doing great things that are simultaneously living with hidden vice in their lives. But the reality is that the longer we live with these things in our lives, whatever we produce will in some way be limited from what it could be. Those who are living in sin are still capable of inspiring others but the only way to really equip and elevate others is for you to first turn away from the bad habits that you have been hiding deep in your hearts.
Keep On Keeping On
No matter how great things start out, it is really easy to get discouraged. Sometimes the discouraging voices get louder and more persistent. There are certain things that Hebrews 6 suggests will help you to keep on keeping on when things get tough:
- Audience of One: Even if nobody else is grateful for what you are doing, remember that “God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.” (v.10) Live for an audience of the One, your Father in Heaven!
- Be Diligent: Failure and the negative voices of others can be stifling. That’s why you need to maintain “diligence to the very end, so that what you hope for may be fully realized.” (12a) When you feel like quitting because the walls are crumbling down, keep on fighting!
- Having a Mentor: In other places, the Bible refers to this idea as discipleship. This was a critical part of the early Christian experience and I believe that it still holds true today. By having a mentor in our lives, we don’t have to try to figure it out on our own. I encourage you “to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.” (12b)
Discussion Questions
- What do you think is the single biggest reason that many people never realize the greatness that God has called them to?
- If you could add one thing to the list of things to help you keep on keeping on, what would it be?
[1] John Mayer, “Waiting on the World to Change,” http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/johnmayer/waitingontheworldtochange.html.
[2] Genesis 1:26