Do you remember when you were young trying to learn the concept of greater than and less than? Perhaps your teacher used the image of a hungry alligator to demonstrate that the open mouth is always toward the side that was greater.

Today I want you to see the (>) greater than sign in a completely new way. I have been meditating on this word “Greater” since the beginning of this year after my pastor said it is our word for 2018.  He began the New Year encouraging us to dream big and expect “Greater”, and that is exactly what I have been doing!

We are now far enough into 2018 that many people have already given up on their New Year resolutions, but I want to continue with some New Year declarations!

Years ago, I sang with a couple friends and one of our favorite songs was one that talked about not being satisfied. We called it our “Sick of church song”!  Before you misunderstand that statement, let me explain.  We were saying that we didn’t just want to “Do church and walk away”.  The power that Jesus provides when we become His child, should transform us to live differently than the world.

We read in 2 Timothy chapter 3 a description about the perilous times in the last days. This passage seems to describes the world we currently are living in!  Be careful about thinking this passage only applies to the reprobates or evil people in the world.  Verse 5 might just be pointing to those of us occupying a pew in our local church every time the doors are open!  It says, “Having a form of godliness but denying its power” (2 Tim 3:5 NKJV).

I recently posted this picture on my Secret Place Revelation Facebook page. This image demonstrates such a powerful truth.  We should be exponentially greater with God on our side!

Do you want 2018 to be greater than 2017? I do!  As I get older, I find that one of the greatest challenges is a temptation to become complacent, especially in our spiritual life.  Think of it this way, your teacher taught you that there was “greater than” or “less than” choice.  If this is true in your spiritual life that you have two choices, which will you choose?  Do you want your spiritual walk to be less than last year or greater than?

Jesus said this:

“I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father.” John 14:12 NLT

When I think about what we read about Jesus in Scripture, and this promise, I realize that there is so much more! I am not satisfied with a form of godliness without the power.  I am contending for something greater!