Attempt Great Things for Who?

"Expect great things; attempt great things." Originally spoken in his sermon to the Baptist Association meeting in Northampton, England, May 30, 1792, William Carey, the “father” of the modern missionary movement, used the citation to urge his Baptist colleagues to enter the missionary enterprise. It formed the twofold division of his sermon, framing the challenge he set before them. Today, we see the quote paraphrased often by agencies and individuals as “Expect great things from God; attempt great things for God.”

I believe this admonition is extremely relevant today. Can I get an amen? Isn’t the single-most important focus for believers today to attempt great things for the cause of Christ? There might be a hindrance, however, when we interpret this challenge from a fleshly viewpoint rather than a spiritual viewpoint. Attempting great things for God elicits the common inclination to focus on accomplishments. The pride slips in—“Look what I’ve done.” We may get impatient—“I’m doing all the right things, why isn’t something happening?” Discontentment rears its ugly head—“I thought all of this would make me happy.” Jealousy may become a factor—“Look what they did. I am attempting greater things than they are.” Even material gain enters the picture—“If we attempt this, we will certainly get more results and we can do more stuff.”

When attempting great things for the cause of Christ, let’s be careful to observe our motives and attitudes. These reveal a good deal about our relationship with the Lord and whether we are motivated spiritually rather than fleshly. Here are some wise things to consider about the things we attempt:

1. The ways of success should not be reduced to a formula. Dependence on past successes lead to an independent spirit, rather than a dependent spirit where you are looking to God for purpose and direction.

2. When we mimic the successful strategies of others, we eliminate our need to be problem-solvers, to think reflectively, and to look for solutions from the Lord. When you go on that short-term mission trip, be the person God made you to be. You are more effective when you share from your heart rather than using a formula that someone else has used with success. Have we not forgotten that we are fearfully and wonderfully made and that God knows the plans He has for us? Also, remember the Lord will help you with the words you need to share.

3. God is more concerned about our character than our accomplishments. Accomplishments are outward, character is inward. If you see someone attempting great things for the cause of Christ, check to see if it comes from inward motivation or from the desire to be in the position of being noticed by others.

4. Experiencing failure does not mean we are not accomplishing something. When we gain a holistic view of our life and when we do not compartmentalize our faith, then every component of life with its attempts and accomplishments and failures comes under the Lordship of Christ. As expressed in Romans 8:29, we are being conformed to the likeness of Christ, conformed to His image. Begin to live your life today not from the temporal, but from the eternal perspective. Expect great things and keep on attempting great things for the cause of Christ!