Be Greater Than You Can Imagine

Often while watching TV I will mute the commercials.

One reason is that the sound increases during commercials, which my wife, Norma Jean. finds irritating. She says I have the TV too loud anyway. Huh?

Also some commercials are repeated so many times that we grow weary of hearing them. Others we just find silly or trite. Anyway the mute button gives us a 3-4 minute respite.

Yesterday, however, a commercial appeared that I hadn’t seen before. It was by Bank OZK, headquartered in Little Rock, with several branches in the Tampa Bay area, plus on line banking.

Its content caught my attention. I had to replay it. And write down the script. Its message was “Be Greater.” Note the 7 statements made in the commercial and how each one has a decidedly Biblical basis and applies to Christian living.

“Doing is Greater than Quitting.”

The entire thrust of the New Testament letters calls for us to keep on keeping on. To be “steadfast and immovable” (1Cor. 15:58). To “continue in the faith” (Col. 1:23). To be “doers of the word” (Jas. 1:23). And not to “shrink back” (Heb. 10:39).

Regardless of life’s disappointments, the discouragements you face, or the downfalls you experience, don’t quit.

“Courage is Greater than Fear.”

From the Old Testament heroes of faith to the New Testament preachers and apostles, we see a common quality–courage. Frequently, God intervened, as he did with Moses and Joshua, as well as Paul and Peter and said, “fear not.”

We need courage today to stand for Truth. To oppose error. To live godly in an ungodly world. And to prioritize spiritual principles when others are consumed with carnal enticements.

“Saving is Greater than Wasting.”

The Bible, especially in the book of Proverbs, teaches thrift, fiscal responsibility and financial stewardship. The wise man’s illustration of being industrious like the ant reminds us to work, save and prepare for “the winter of life” (Prov. 6:5-11). He also commends saving so you have an inheritance to leave your children (Prov. 13:22). Interestingly, several of Jesus’ parables involve the stewardship of money, including the famous parable of the talents (Matt. 25:14-30).

“Giving is Greater than Getting.”

Not only does the world recognize and honor those engaged in philanthropic enterprises, but Jesus Himself said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Ax. 20:35). The blessing of monetary resources is not an end within itself. Nor are they to be selfishly hoarded. But they are to be shared. So that we “may have something to share with anyone in need (Eph. 4:25). “Those who are rich” are commanded to “do good.” Be “ready to give, willing to share” (1 Tim. 6:17-18).

“Peace is Greater than Worry.”

In His Mountain Message Jesus admonished, “Don’t worry” (Matt. 6:34). He promised to provide peace to our troubled souls (Jn. 14:27). And through prayer and focused meditation, we can minimize our anxieties and maximize our peace of mind (Phil. 4:6-8).

“Innovation is Greater than Status Quo.”

The Christian life ought not to be static and stagnant. But vibrant. Growing. Improving. Moving forward. Paul said, “I’m pressing on toward the prize” (Phil. 3:13-14). It’s possible for individual Christians and entire churches to become mired in the status quo and fail to embrace new means and methods of scripturally moving forward.

“A Smile is Greater than a Frown.”

The Bible says, “A glad heart makes a cheerful face, but by sorrow of heart the spirit is crushed” (Prov, 15:13). Or as the CEV renders this, “Happiness makes you smile.” Of course, that spirit begins inwardly. As the children’s song says, “I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy, down in my heart.”

I suppose Bank OZK’s 30 second commercial is suggesting your life will be better and greater, if you bank and invest with them. Or maybe it’s their way of offering some constructive life lessons. But I see a deeper, more meaningful message. One with a spiritual application and eternal implications.

Be Greater.

Greater Awaits.

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman