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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Great (07/06/06)
In the early 1960s, a young man named Cassius Clay entered the boxing world. His skill and speed helped him to outwit many of his opponents. In addition to his savvy in the ring, Clay created a hostile environment outside of the ring. During his meetings with the press he would quickly stifle his opponents by letting them know he was... the greatest. Through time Clay, later known as Muhammad Ali, would reign as heavyweight champion of the world. Even during his down periods like losses to Leon Spinks and Larry Holmes, Ali still considered himself the greatest. Wouldn’t it be great if we as Christians could borrow a page from Ali’s life? I’m not talking about becoming professional boxers but rather about changing our mindset to reflect Ali’s mantra, “I am the greatest!” Repeating these few words each day would certainly do wonders for our spiritual walk and our witness. Try saying them to yourself, “I am… the greatest” Do you feel the meaning behind the words? No? Perhaps it would help to put them in context.

First we must be careful to borrow the words but transform the meaning. We must also change the emphasis on words. When Ali spoke these words he emphasized “I”. When you say them try emphasizing “I am”. The meaning will become clearer. We know as Christians that our world does not center on us; but rather on the One greater than us. God. Throughout the Bible, God has many names and many attributes. He is called Wonderful, Counselor, mighty God, everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). He is known as a healer, provider, and a defender. Other scriptures refer to him as the Messiah, the Christ, the Redeemer, and Heavenly Father. But my favorite definition is found in Exodus 3:14. There we find a conversation between Moses and God in which Moses doubts his ability to stand up to Pharaoh and lead his people out of Egypt. Moses asks of God, “When I come to the children of Israel and say to them that the God of our fathers hath sent me… and they shall say to me, what is his name? What shall I tell them?”

God’s reply to Moses is, “I Am that I Am. Thou shalt say to the children of Israel that I am hath sent me”. In those two words is a promise to every believer. With them God says, I am your provider. I am your protector. I am your shield. I am your salvation. I am all you need. When we consider all that he is, it becomes clear.

I Am, the greatest.
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This article has been read 925 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Zuanne Joubert
07/14/06
God has given you insight and you put the words on paper in a wonderful way. I have forwarded this entry to friend who is learning how to face life without liquid courage. He said he is finding it hard to relate to others sober. God has saved him and I know this entry will give him something to think about. Thank You
Jan Ackerson
07/17/06
Great word play here!
Joanne Sher 
07/17/06
Wow - great writing and a FANTASTIC perspective. I was a little worried in the beginning, but you cleared me right up!!
Lynda Schultz 
07/18/06
Neatly done - there is a world of difference between, "I am the greatest" and "I Am, the Greatest". You expressed it well.
Trina Courtenay
07/21/06
Sharron congrats on placing 11th in the top 15 of level one. This is awesome!

May the Lord continue to guide your quill as you write to glorify HIM!

Trina<><