We do not have the strength to walk with Christ by ourselves. We need someone to support and guide us.
Jackie Robinson was the first black man to play major league baseball, but this pioneering came at a price. Jackie was criticized heavily for every single mistake. Once when he was playing on the team’s home field, he committed an error and the fans ridiculed him ruthlessly. That is until Pee Wee Reece, the shortstop, came over, put his arm around Robinson, and turned to the crowd. The crowd became instantly silent and Robinson believed that this moment saved his career. (sermonillustrations.com)
Jesus stated that the Holy Spirit is our Helper. (see John 14:16-17) The root of the Greek word comes from fortis, meaning to fortify or strengthen. The Holy Spirit in the life of a believer is like the steel beams that hold up a skyscraper. He is like the spine in a person’s back that keeps the Body standing. The Holy Spirit is not an accessory to the Christian life. He is absolutely essential. We could do nothing spiritually without His leading and teaching.
What “greater thing” does God have for you? What is the potential for your life and mine if we would simply yield to the work of the Holy Spirit? Only God knows the answer, but we do have the promise of Jesus. “I assure you: The one who believes in Me will also do the works that I do. And he will do even greater works than these…” (John 14:12)
This promise of Jesus extends much further than the original followers. Jesus said, “The one who believes in Me . . . he will do even greater works than these.” This announcement is intended for many more than the present small group of Jesus’ followers. Jesus establishes the fact that something greater will occur and the work will be accomplished by present and future followers.
In John Maxwell’s book, Everyone Communicates, Few Connect, the leadership expert gives the reader an attitude assessment. He states, “I see everyone as having the potential to be a ‘10’ on a scale of 1-10.” (206) He continues, “Everyone wants to be inspired. All people want someone to believe in them. They are waiting for someone to challenge, motivate, and encourage them to be all they can be.” (208)
Now I realize that we are all sinners and we fall short of God’s glory daily. Maxwell is not speaking of moral perfection but of ministry potential- that is the potential that every believer has due to the work and power of the Holy Spirit. Anything is possible for the believer who yields to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. In fact, when I read the Bible, I see a multitude of people used by God who could have been labeled “least likely to succeed” in their yearbook superlatives.
The question before us (ministry leaders) is simple: Do we see the potential in other believers of what the Holy Spirit can do in their lives? Are we willing to see them as a “10” and invest deeply into their lives?
In the next few days, I will post a review of the Maxwell book, one that has made it near the top of my “must-read” list. In fact, I just told my wife, Angela, last night that this is a book I should re-read every six months. I will tell you why later. (Be sure to subscribe to the blog on the sidebar so you don’t miss it)
This is the last post of the “Greater Works” series. If you missed a post, you can find the previous post links below:
The Greatest Thing You Could Ever Do
Someone Who Can Do Something Greater Than Jesus
Shepherding Well 