Jesus gives us a word that, when applied to living out our lives for His glory (what I am calling greatness) is crucial to accomplishing our purpose in this world. Matthew 12:25-26 records these words,
"Knowing their thoughts, he said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself is laid
waste, and no city or house divided against itself will stand. And if Satan casts out Satan,
he is divided against himself. How then will his kingdom stand?"
In these verses Jesus lays out a universal principle and we know it is universal since Jesus uses terms like "every" and "cannot stand." The principle is this: Everything that is divided will fall or come to nothing.
It is abundantly and always true that, every kingdom divided will eventually collapse. This collapse can be immediate or it can happen over a long period of time. However long it takes the truth is this: it cannot stand...it will crumble. The same is true in our calling for the Lord. To achieve the purpose of God for our lives we must be sure that we are not working against that purpose. Actions that are contrary or even indifferent to the goal will eventually lead us away from it and, as a result, it will come to naught. Nothing hinders my pursuit of greatness in and for the Lord more than actions that undermine that pursuit.
I cannot expect to achieve anything for the Lord if my life, disciplines and or actions are inconsistent with greatness. In fact, this is true in every area of my life. Where Jesus uses the word "kingdom" we can insert a myriad of words: life, marriage, home, partnership, church, team, etc. None of those things will ever be what the Lord intends for them if, in the day to day, they are pulling in opposite directions. No marriage begins with a heart to come to nothing, nor does a church or partnership in business. Yet, over time, all can disintegrate if there is no union in function and operation towards the goal. This universal principle, however, is not simply negative. The opposite is equally true: "Everything that is united will stand and achieve its purpose."
Greatness can be achieved but only when (if) I do not work against myself and my calling. This is universally true. It will happen! In the economy of God, it has to happen. If I am consistent in putting in the work that, when accomplished, leads me closer to greatness for the Lord then I will see that purpose come to fruition in my lifetime. How much of it I will see is up to the Lord, but seeing it is a reality. You and I may only be honored to lay the foundation of the dream that others build on but that foundation will be a beautiful and satisfying reality because it will be the dream made visible, though in part.
The goal, therefore, today, is to act! The fact is that what we do today will either work against or toward the purpose for which the Lord has designed and equipped us. There is no neutrality here. We are either moving forward or moving backward; but we are moving somewhere! The principle of our Lord is certain. If we act in contrary ways regarding our vision we will get what those actions merit. If we make the choice to be united in our heart and purpose, we will be one step towards the legacy of greatness the Lord will bless us to leave.