What does greatness mean to you?
The day the Holy Spirit posed this question to me, it was like He was digging deep into the crevices of my soul and simultaneously shining torchlight there while holding up a mirror, so I could see for myself just what exactly was festering there, even in my ‘obliviousness’.
Every time I picture greatness in my mind, what I see first is a global stage, bright lights and people chanting my name. I see designer outfits, invitations to talk shows, international flights and many celebrated speeches. I see bookshelves almost caving under the weight of books that hold my name. I see millions of social media fans and all the glitz and glamour that come with. In a nutshell, I see everything the world has sold to us as greatness. After all, these are common features that have trailed cross-generational legends, mega-influential celebrities and so much more. So it’s not really out of place that my desires, though hidden, have shaped themselves after these things. But what is out of place for me as a believer being prepared for great works is to allow those desires roam unchecked, if not even completely uprooted. They should be completely uprooted!
Why is this such a problem? What’s so bad about all the things I’ve mentioned? Sounds like the life, doesn’t it?
But it really isn’t. All these things that I’ve mentioned above reek of one thing: self. It’s all about me; what will gratify me and my ego, what will make me feel good and the ripple effect that isn’t so fun has quite a great potential to be catastrophic for my soul.
The world often measures greatness by how many people and or tools are at your service, but as common with the two parallels, God’s standard is completely opposite to that. God’s proof of greatness does not lie in how much one amasses or how many accolades are attached to one’s name, the true proof lies in service. Selfless, devoted service to God and humanity, in furtherance of God’s kingdom here on earth.
Fame and greater reach may come as a result of this, and if it eventually does, it won’t have me because it was never my end goal. God will trust that because of the desires He by His Spirit has worked in me, the platforms loaned to me will not be used for self but instead, as a tool to further God’s purpose. Anything other than that, is it worth it? No, I don’t think so.
Jesus said something to his disciples Peter and Andrew when their mother was seeking ‘greatness’ in God’s kingdom for her sons.
He first asked if they were ready for the burden and responsibility that preceded the honour they sought.
Then he reminded them that the heart of a servant is the heart God recognises as truly great. A life that counts for more than itself. A life that seeks the betterment and gain of others. A life that pours out in whatever capacity it finds. A life that shines as light for others to see Truth. See His words below:
But this is not your calling. You will lead by a completely different model. The greatest one among you will live as the one who is called to serve others, because the greatest honor and authority is reserved for the one with the heart of a servant. For even the Son of Man did not come expecting to be served but to serve and give his life in exchange for the salvation of many.”
Matthew 20:26-28 TPT
That is greatness. That's what matters. Not fame, not ‘following’, not virality, not clout, not VANITY. Because that's what these things all amount to, outside of the context of God.
Gaining the whole world comes at a heavy cost. My soul is a much too steep payment to offer, when Jesus already the paid the price for my redemption. I can't just give it away. I’d rather gain the kingdom of God instead. I want to be satisfied with knowing God, loving and pleasing Him, loving people just as God loves them and going wherever He sends me, whenever He sends me. That’s all that matters, that’s all that should matter.
In a nutshell: greatness before God > greatness before the world.
Mo's BTS Note 🎉
Hi guys! Been a minute, hasn't it? Happy Sundayy. I hope your weekend has been good?
I've had this article nearly completed for a bit now, but I've only just had the nudging to finish writing it and share with you. I hope you glean a thing or two from it, especially if you find yourself in the picture I've painted. If you already know these things, I hope this serves as a worthy reminder.
Okayyyy. Great news guys! Our 2 year anniversary is tomorrowwww🎉🤸🏽♀️ Somebody pinch me because whuttttt, how did the time go by so fast??
I'm immensely grateful to the God that found me worthy enough to steward this community. I'm grateful for the gift of you, because it is a privilege to serve you with my words. Thank you for trusting my content enough to let me edify you continuously, I'm humbled every time I think about it (which is a lott tbh).
Have you been blessed by the content here at Gbogbo Èrò? What's your favourite thing about being a part of this? Would you please leave a comment or write me back telling me? I'd like to create a compilation and it'd really mean a lot to me if your review featured🥺🥺
Even if you haven't spoken on here before, let this special occasion draw you out of your online shell ejor🤲🏾
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Finally, please do me one better and share this goodness with everyone you know, along with why you think they should subscribe. Thank you so so much!
Happy anniversary in advance!
All my love,
Mofeoluwa 💚
Thank you for always Mofeoluwa.
❤️❤️❤️✨