The gravity of events in everyday life is a reminder of the individual responsibilities and duties we share. Our families, society and culture evolve or devolve based on what current and previous generations have and have not done with what they have been given. Whether WE do greater or lesser things depends on if we act with a sense of duty and responsibility…or privilege.
Duty is defined as a responsibility to do what is right or required. The concept of a moral obligation can and should shape our behavior and conscience. Actions result when we believe our responsibilities outweigh risk, reward or even our ability to successfully accomplish the task at hand. Too often, duty and responsibilities are seen as a privilege. When this happens, people become tribal, put themselves before everyone else and don’t accomplish greater things.
Christians were PROMISED they would do greater things than Christ did Himself. Jesus said, “‘Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.'” It begs the question to everyone who calls themselves a Christian… ‘What are the GREATER things YOU are doing?!’
We know we are doing greater things when others are blessed (benefited) by us and what we do. We know this because ‘without a doubt the lesser is always blessed by the greater.’ Hebrews 7:7. Greater things are always blessings to others. Am I, are you, blessing others or promoting our own agenda? Do we think others will be blessed if we are blessed first? The trickle down blessing theory does not preempt sacrificial acts of blessing others first.
Do you want to bless others and do greater things? Do you believe you can? What is keeping us from doing greater things than Christ himself? Does your work or raising a family get in the way? Jesus addressed that head on. “‘Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow…'” In other words, “I’ve got that covered.”
Life isn’t Mission Impossible. Christians are not IMF members but we do have a choice of accepting the mission we have been given. We also have the ability to do greater things. Ephesians 3:20 reminds us that God’s Spirit and power gives us the ability. ‘Now to HIM who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work in us…’
Do we even know what greater things are? Do we ask the Holy Spirit?? Do we deny the power we’re given by seeing it as a privilege and not a duty?? Or, do we just not believe these particular words of Jesus?
Belief can accomplish greater things. Unbelief can keep them from happening. Too many people in 2026 don’t believe anything can be done to…change a family members depression, addiction or anger and hostility…save the decline of civility in our communities…alter the current devolution of our American culture and Christian heritage…the list is looong because we are apathetic AND don’t believe the Truth in the Bible.
Most everyone can see, feel, recognize and acknowledge the evil so prevalent across the spectrum of our institutions…and individual hearts. I don’t know the exact time but I do know regardless of the age or my age, Peter was right. ‘The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray.’ He was saying be aware, don’t ignore what’s happening. And…DO what was possibly the greatest thing Christ himself did…PRAY.
I believe whether we do greater things than Jesus stems from our faith and belief. We hear what’s happening in Dallas, Dearborn, New York City, Little Rock. The changes in America and the world are brought to our eyes and ears through technology and communication. Fake news is a tool of the evil one. Apathy about what happens outside your bank account or your neighborhood is straight from hell as well. Instead of being apathetic or not believing we can effect change, we forget it’s not about OUR ability. It’s about HIS ability to do great things.
Do you WANT to do greater things? Do you have a duty and responsibility to do greater things? Do you BELIEVE you can do greater things? When Jesus walked the earth ‘He was amazed at their unbelief.’ He spoke bluntly to those who would listen… “‘You unbelieving generation, how long will I be with you? How long must I put up with you?'”
Jesus promised whoever believed in Him WOULD do greater things. He also said those greater things had NO limits. “‘Everything is possible for the one who believes.'”
For Christians, greater things are our duty. To learn what these greater things are for you, ask the Holy Spirit. Pray.
Pray for greater things.