ºRECIPE FOR GREATNESS SERIES -7 SEEDS OVER NEEDS
Today marks the beginning of a new series of teachings centered on ministry service. Over the past few weeks, we have delved into the concept of transitioning from being part of the multitude to becoming disciples. It has been emphasized that in order for God to work through us in significant ways, we must grow and truly embody the teachings of Jesus. Mere belief is not sufficient; we are called to move beyond being believers to becoming committed disciples. Jesus himself did not seek to gather followers who were merely believers, but rather individuals who were willing to fully commit to the teachings and mission he imparted.
As we continue this series in the coming weeks, the focus will shift towards the understanding that being a disciple is not the end goal in itself. Rather, we are called to serve. This message is underscored by the passage from Romans chapter 8, which speaks of the purpose and calling that each individual has. It is a reminder that as followers of Christ, we are not meant to passively bask in the light of salvation, but to actively engage in service. The passage highlights the journey of being predestined, called, justified, and ultimately glorified in the eyes of the Lord.
The essence of our calling lies in the fact that we are chosen to serve. We are not simply called to be spectators in the Kingdom of God, but to be active participants in spreading His message and embodying His love. The reading from Romans chapter 8 reinforces the idea that our calling is not a passive one, but rather a transformative journey towards becoming more like Christ. As we embark on this series, the question posed to each individual is: where is your seed? This serves as a reminder of the potential within each of us to grow, serve, and fulfill the purpose for which we have been called.
Last month, I mentioned that our identity as believers goes beyond just being disciples; it is who we are and who we are meant to be.
Our calling is to conform to the image of the Son, and this call to conformity is essentially a call to discipleship.
We should not stop at being disciples, as the Bible teaches that those whom God called, He also justified and glorified. In essence, we are called to be glorified, and the word ‘glorify’ itself conveys a sense of greatness. At Elevation Church, our vision is to make greatness common, as Jesus himself emphasized the importance of service in achieving greatness. He taught his disciples that true greatness comes from being a servant to all, and this is the same principle we uphold in our church. Our definition of greatness is not based on worldly positions or material wealth, but rather on the impact and relevance we have in God’s plan and in blessing others.
It is in the place of service that true greatness is cultivated and released. Jesus exemplified this principle in his own life, emphasizing the importance of serving others. This is a crucial lesson for all of us to learn, as it underscores the fact that we all have needs and that true fulfillment comes from meeting the needs of others. At Elevation Church, we strive to create an atmosphere of service where greatness is not measured by personal gain, but by the impact we have on the lives of others. This is a fundamental aspect of our vision and mission, as we seek to emulate the example set by Jesus and to be a blessing to our world through our service.
The common denominator of life is the recognition of our own needs and the willingness to meet the needs of others. This principle is at the core of our understanding of greatness at Elevation Church. We believe that true greatness is found in service, and it is in the act of serving others that greatness is both cultivated and released. This is a powerful truth that we are committed to living out in our church, as we seek to make greatness common and to impact our world through our service and love for others.
Today, if anyone is being influenced by my words, it is important to recognize that the absence of need does not equate to being alive. In fact, if there is no need, it signifies that one is no longer alive. Being alive inherently means having needs. These needs may vary from security to financial blessings, and from financial blessings to health. Even if health is not a need, the need for fulfillment arises. This is where Maslow’s hierarchy of needs comes into play, illustrating that needs are an integral part of human existence, regardless of age, wealth, or social status. However, the world operates on the principle of sowing seeds rather than presenting needs.
The world celebrates the seeds we sow, not the needs we have.
Therefore, while needs are acknowledged, the focus should be on sowing seeds, as it is through sowing seeds that needs are ultimately met.
It is crucial to understand that greatness is achieved through service. This means that one cannot escape the call to serve. The importance of sowing seeds is emphasized, as it is through the material and non-material contributions that one serves. Time is a valuable asset that diminishes rather than increases. Therefore, it is essential to utilize time effectively in sowing seeds, as yesterday’s actions that do not align with the fulfillment of God’s dreams for one’s life are considered wasted. The focus should be on sowing seeds and serving, as these actions are more significant than personal needs.
In summary, the absence of need does not signify life, as needs are inherent to human existence. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs illustrates the universal nature of needs, regardless of individual circumstances. The world operates on the principle of sowing seeds rather than presenting needs, emphasizing the importance of sowing seeds and serving. Time is a diminishing asset, and actions that do not contribute to the fulfillment of God’s dreams are considered wasted. Therefore, the focus should be on sowing seeds and serving, as these actions are more significant than personal needs.
The importance of prioritizing your seed over your need is a powerful concept that emphasizes the significance of faith and selflessness. When you choose to step into a situation, despite your own desires and wants, you are demonstrating a level of trust and belief in something greater than yourself. In the Bible, it is highlighted that God sees your needs and when you take that step in faith, focusing on being a seed rather than fulfilling your own needs, miraculous things can happen.
In the book of Matthew, Chapter 14, there is a poignant example of Jesus showcasing the principle of being seed-focused. Despite his own personal struggles and emotions, such as mourning the loss of his cousin and the fear of potential harm, Jesus chose to prioritize the needs of others. He went to a deserted place seeking solitude, but when a multitude followed him, he was moved with compassion. This act of selflessness led to him healing the sick and attending to the needs of those around him, showcasing the power of being seed-focused.
The story in Matthew 14 also highlights the contrast between focusing on one’s needs versus being seed-focused. Jesus’ disciples, recognizing the late hour and the lack of resources in the deserted place, suggested sending the crowd away to find food for themselves. However, Jesus, in his seed-focused mindset, chose to provide for them instead. This narrative serves as a powerful reminder that when we shift our focus from our own needs to being a blessing to others, we open ourselves up to experiencing the miraculous and transformative power of faith and selflessness.
It is evident from the passage that Jesus displayed a remarkable level of compassion and selflessness towards the multitude that had gathered around him. Despite the disciples suggesting that the people be sent away to find food for themselves, Jesus insisted on providing for them. This act of kindness and generosity showcases Jesus’ unwavering commitment to helping those in need, even when it seemed impractical or impossible to do so. His disciples, who were initially skeptical about the situation, were amazed by his ability to turn a seemingly dire circumstance into a moment of abundance and blessing.
The story of Jesus feeding the multitude with just five loaves and two fish serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of faith and trust in God’s provision. In a world where scarcity and lack often dominate our thinking, Jesus’ actions challenge us to look beyond our limitations and rely on God’s miraculous intervention. The disciples’ initial doubts and concerns mirror our own tendencies to doubt God’s ability to provide for us in times of need. However, Jesus’ response to the situation teaches us that when we surrender our doubts and fears to Him, He can turn our meagre offerings into an abundance that exceeds our expectations.
Furthermore, the passage emphasizes the significance of obedience and willingness to serve in God’s kingdom. Jesus’ command to bring the loaves and fish to Him, despite the disciples’ doubts, highlights the importance of taking action and trusting in God’s plan. By following Jesus’ instructions and distributing the food to the multitude, the disciples actively participated in the miracle that unfolded before them. This narrative challenges us to step out in faith, even when we feel ill-equipped or inadequate, knowing that God can use our willingness to serve as a catalyst for His blessings to flow abundantly.
Jesus, despite having his own needs for comfort and isolation, chose to prioritize meeting the needs of the people around him. He found an outlet for his emotions by showing compassion, performing miracles, healing the sick, and supplying the needs of those who came to him. Even when he may have felt the need to grieve or seek solace with his family, he remained focused on serving others and teaching them throughout the day. This selfless act of putting others before himself is a powerful example of compassion and service.
Sometimes, in our own lives, we may become so consumed by our own needs that we forget about the importance of sowing seeds of service.
Jesus’ actions remind us that serving others is not limited to convenient times or when it is easy for us. God challenges us to share our gifts and blessings with others, even when we are facing difficult circumstances or time constraints. By focusing on our seeds of service, we can make a positive impact on both God and humanity, regardless of the challenges we may be facing.
It is essential to reflect on how we are serving God and others in our daily lives. Whether it is leading a small group, volunteering for church projects, or simply being hospitable and reaching out to those in need, every act of service matters. Just as Jesus prioritized meeting the needs of others, we too should strive to focus on our seeds of service rather than our own needs. By cultivating a track record of volunteering and selfless acts, we can make a lasting impact on the world around us and be celebrated for our seeds of service rather than our personal needs.
Have you ever witnessed a scenario where an award is presented to the most deserving individual on the planet? Are you able to comprehend the message I am conveying this morning? The world, in its essence, does not commemorate you for your needs; rather, it celebrates you for the seeds you sow. This concept is beautifully articulated in Psalm 26, where it emphasizes the significance of focusing on planting seeds for a prosperous future.
The passage from verse 5 to 6 in Psalm 26 illustrates the idea of going forth with tears, carrying precious seeds, and the promise of returning with joy, bearing the fruits of one’s labor. By concentrating on nurturing and cultivating our seeds, even in the face of challenges, we are assured of a bountiful harvest and a reason to rejoice.
As believers, we are encouraged to envision a future where we are not solely focused on our immediate needs but on sowing seeds that will yield abundance and blessings. The message extends to the realm of serving in positions of influence and authority, where the goal is to be so abundantly blessed that material wealth becomes inconsequential. This vision of leaving a legacy for future generations underscores the importance of shifting our focus from needs to seeds, paving the way for greatness and prosperity.