A Prerequisite to Greatness: Self Awareness

To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” They answered him, “We 
are Abraham’s descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we 
shall be set free?” (John 8:31-33)

Self-Deception is Deadly
In the scriptures above, Jesus' basically tells a group of dying people (and they were literally dying), I am am here to save your life. Their response is most interesting. They essentially 
looked him in his eyes and said, "We are not dying."  Sadly, by denying their problem (i.e. certain death), they failed to take hold of the solution. (1 John 1:5-9)

Self Deceptions Blocks Greatness...
Self Deception blocks us from achieving greatness. Each of us were created for a grand  purpose. Indeed! A purpose so grand that if we were living it, if we were doing it, if we were being it, people would know us, honor us and celebrate us. Why? Because "PURPOSE" is God's marketing tool. 
(Ephesians 2:10; Matthew 5:14-16; John 14:12-14)

God's Marketing Plan
God's marketing plan goes something like...

Step 1: An invisible God opens the eyes of people to His presence... It seems like He allows us 
to see Him not all at once but in groups. It's almost as if the awakening to His presence occurs in phases.

Step 2: By honoring God we tap into His purposes for our lives.

Step 3: As we pursue His purposes, He equips us with the ability to accomplish miraculous feats.

Step 4: People that do not know God see those remarkable feats. They celebrate us and ask, 
"How were you able to get to where you are? How were you able to accomplish X, Y and Z?"

Step 5: We point them to our God.
(Acts 16:16-34; 1 Peter 2:9-12)

Self Awareness is a Requirement for Greatness
God's greatness is prevented from occurring through us when self deception is present. You see...
People that refuse to admit they are ill will never seek a doctor.
Folks that refuse to believe that are lost will never seek direction.
Individuals that refuse to acknowledge that life is too big, too complex, too dynamic for humanity to fathom without the wisdom of an all knowing God, will never seek, acknowledge or accept Him. (Matthew 9:9-12)

Admitting that we lack some quality, some dimension, some thing that we may not even be able to articulate is the switch that ignites us to pursue, receive and revel in completion. (James 5:16)

Self Reflection Leads to Self Awareness: 
A Few Questions for You....
1.  What issues continue to hinder your relationships?
Hint: Generally, people from all aspects of your life (Family, Friends, Work, School etc. that  don't even know each other) have repeatedly said things like,
"John, you need to stop interrupting people when they are talking." 
"Mary, you take constructive feedback too personally.  You become defensive instead of better."
"Joe, you often react to unexpected circumstances in a destructive manner." 

2.  What problems within your control have generally stopped you from achieving your goals?
Hint: Most of the time this list isn't long. It's short. The same internal opponents seem to consistently  block us. Internal opponents such as Lack of Discipline, Doubt, Excessive Self Criticism, Poor Time Management, Procrastination... Beat them once and for all and you will unlock a new and more fulfilling life.)

3.  Are you destined for death? Or are you eternally alive? Have you pushed down that nagging to know God by convincing yourself He doesn't exist?  Or if you know God have you muted that longing to bring a particular behavior or area of your life in alignment to His Word by convincing yourself God doesn't care about it?

DO NOT miss your opportunity to achieve greatness by denying your needs.  God is offering eternal fulfillment to you!

Affirmation

I will  acknowledge my incompleteness & ask God to complete me.