How to Start Pursuing Greatness with Extraordinary Passion
My wife and I watched a documentary last night of a music group from Down Under named Hillsong United. Over the years this worship band has made a significant impact in the Christian music genre. Many of their songs influence the local church worship service on a weekly basis. I learned more about how a giant vision grew from small beginnings as a youth worship band. As the video ended, I had a new appreciation for this group. I saw the members as ordinary people, with extraordinary passion in their hearts, pursing greatness.
Perverted Greatness
It seems the American culture can have a way of perverting the idea of greatness. Mega-stars and athletes pursue an elevated status well above the normal human being. In some cases, appear content to be treated dangerously close to deity status. For most of us, that kind of greatness seems unreachable or unattainable because of the skewed view of what true greatness is.As the credits to the documentary rolled by, I sat on the couch pondering. As feelings and emotions stirring within, I found myself uttering the words, "I want to be great Lord." No, I don't want to be on a stage. I have no fantasy of being famous, although I will admit, I hit plenty of last second jumpers in Game 7 of the NBA finals while out in my neighbor's driveway growing up.
The Many Perspectives of Greatness
I want to be a great friend, husband, father and grandfather. I desire to coach who specialize in identifying the "original design" within people, challenging those same people to see it and draw it out.Over the past 6 months, I've slowly pursued training that may lead to this new occupation. It's exciting, although I'm not entirely convinced my excitement is generated by what I'm working towards. There is a small, nagging question my excitement may be more about what I'm running from. Motivations are important to understand you know. But as I sat alone watching those credits roll by on the TV, I allowed my heart to share its opinion. I heard the all-to-familiar ache from within. I want to be great at writing. There! It's out there. I want to write about things that stir people and light fires in their heart, leading to the pursuit of the incredible.
Related Post: Greatness Is Your Destiny
Watching people pursue their own personal definition of greatness is intoxicating to me. Isn't it the stuff of great movies? Doesn't it somehow stir something within our own heart regarding our dreams?
My Argument for Your Pursuit of Greatness
I won't cheapen this story by promising a 5-step theory. I will say though that pursuing greatness comes at a cost. As I consider my own journey, it requires that I redefine who I am as a person. I wonder how many dreams of greatness die because we simply believe our dreams are something for others to attain? "I'm not smart enough, not good enough..." Toxic! Lies!Regardless of your opinion of Christianity and the Bible, you are created in God's image. I'm not asking you to believe it, but it's the truth. God possessed thoughts specifically about you as He molded and shaped you in your mother's womb. Again, not asking you to believe me, not asking you to go to your local church, pray a prayer, become a member, etc. I'm just telling you, when He thought of you, when He shaped and molded you, He did so in the greatness of His own image. He made you in such a way to possess a unique reflection of who He is. Dreams and desires were placed within as you developed, and they are what truly stir you at your core. In His greatness, He also gave you the freedom to believe or reject this truth.
Will You See It Within Yourself?
There is something within all of us that longs to be great! This doesn't mean we all want to be center-stage in front of thousands. It just means we long to be great at what we're passionate about.