Build your way to greatness?

I've been working out of town lately and with all the extra drive time I haven't been able to set aside much time to contribute to the blog.  When I normally would be working on the blog I'm either spending time with the family or trying to catch up on sleep!  Thankfully no one needs to rely on a person to receive from God.  He's willing to use anything to speak to our hearts:  animals, nature, signs, or even things sent in the mail.

Case in point:  Zed hasn't played baseball for a year and is about to turn 11.  Because of this it was strange to receive a brochure in the mail seeking serious baseball players aged 13 to 18 for a national tryout to be discovered by college scouts!  It was a catch-phrase at the bottom of the page which caught my attention which read, "Build your way to greatness."  I rarely can take things at face value even when reading a brochure!  It is almost a natural habit for me to look at things from a biblical, spiritual perspective.  Can a man spiritually build himself to greatness?  Is that even desirable?

Jesus said that if a man wants to be great in the kingdom of God, he must be the servant of all.  In baseball or sports, natural talent goes a long way.  Some do not have the natural dexterity, skills, or body-style to be great at baseball.  No amount of training can overcome some of the obstacles many face to become a professional athlete.  But it is true that very few if any become great in their field without dedication, hard work, and good training.  A man cannot become a good Christian by trying hard because all men are wicked by nature.  We must first "build" upon the foundation of Jesus Christ and take heed how we build.  Whatever materials we choose will have a great impact on the strength and integrity of the structure.  A man cannot possibly build his way to greatness.  We don't have the tools or materials to build anything of eternal value.  Those who humble themselves who will be exalted by God.  It is He who cleanses us of sin, makes us righteous, fills us with His Spirit, empowers us to perform His will, and will usher us into eternal glory.

It is God who makes a man great.  The way the world gauges greatness is completely opposed to God's view.  A man might be well-known and famous on earth but Jesus might say to such a man, "Depart from me!  I never knew you, you who practice lawlessness!"  There may be a man or woman hardly anyone knew in life or remembered in death to whom Christ says, "Well done, good and faithful servant!  Enter into the joy of the LORD."  Nothing is as rewarding as serving the great God and Creator of heaven and earth.  He is great, and He makes great all who follow Him.