Forget Alexander, I’m Dave the Great!
Dr. Suess has a wacky little tale in which the witless Mrs. McCave has twenty-three sons (Dr. Suess was an epic storyteller, but on biology, maybe not so keen) to whom she gives the same name, Dave. Each time she calls out the name, one shy of two dozen “Dave’s” stampedes towards her. Every day was a true Dave-toberfest!
My parents were wise enough to give the name ‘Dave’ to only one of their children. But let me tell you, I’ve run into many other versions of me over the years, some of whom were driven by desires to be seen as pretty great.
My Inner Sultan of Awesome
I’m not going to lie, sometimes it gets pretty bad. “Come on, folks, crown me the Sultan of Awesome and parade me through the streets filled with people yelling, “Dave! Dave! Dave!” Make sure everyone’s there from my old neighborhood who ever dared question my potential. When I think back on my life, I see many versions of Dave in my campaigns of personal glory.
Dave the Occasionally Great. This Dave has his moments. He even surprises himself sometimes. He’ll do something selfless, think about others before himself. He’ll have sympathy for people in need. The problem is, he just can’t string it together—the self-focused, self-absorbed Dave keeps showing up as well.
Dave the Great-in-His-Own-Mind. This Dave thinks great thoughts—about Dave. He has wonderful plans—for Dave. He can always think of a way to do it better than the other guy. He’s ready to offer his valuable opinion about anything. Just ask.
Dave the Potentially Great. This is the guy everybody says could really do something if he put his mind to it. He has the tools; he just needs to put it all together. But this Dave fears success and the responsibility that comes with it. Better to always “have potential” than to risk anything.
Dave the Formerly Great. This Dave has been there and done that. He’ll talk about the way things were “back in the day.” He thinks everything’s gone downhill ever since . . . well, ever since things were great. This Dave has a selective memory: his failures fade away, while his accomplishments are easily recalled— and easily exaggerated.
Dave the Comparatively Great. This Dave is always a seven out of ten. Not perfect, but certainly better than average. He is extremely conscious of the competition. He knows what it takes to stay ahead of the average guy. He loves to win, hates to lose.
Dave the Tomorrow-I’ll-Be-Great. This Dave has great intentions. He’s just about to do something; he can feel it. He just has to get a little more rested up first, a little more organized, a little more motivated.
Dave the If-Only Great. This Dave really wants to be great, but he just can’t catch a break. He’s constantly being thwarted in his great endeavors by the decisions, weaknesses, or failures of others. He lives in the world of “if only.”
Dave the I’d-Be-Great-If-Others-Would-Just-Notice. This Dave would never claim to be great, but would sure appreciate it if others would perceive his effort. He knows what people like, and he’s good at delivering it. If he had to choose between some great success that only God noticed and some small success witnessed by others, he’d choose the latter every day and twice on Sunday.
Dave the I’ll-Be-Great-If-It-Kills-Me. This Dave is so motivated for greatness that he’s fixated on his goals. He pushes hard and won’t take no for an answer. Failure’s just not an option.
The Gospel Reveals True Greatness
The gospel brings me explosive news: my search for approval is over. In Christ, I already have all the approval I need. Because Christ’s righteousness has been transferred to me, all the time and energy I once squandered trying to be liked or praised or to achieve something to validate my existence can now be redirected toward doing things for God’s glory. I no longer live for approval; I live from approval.
Let me reiterate this good news, in case it hasn’t sunk in. The riches of Christ’s obedience in life and death are what God sees when he looks at us. He no longer sees us wallowing in our naked grabs for glory, in our lies, lusts, or fears. Christ’s record of perfect obedience now frames God’s vision of our existence.
The world doesn’t need twenty-three Daves. One is more than enough. But wonder of wonders: Christ solved my quest for greatness by achieving it himself.
Questions
Do you recognize yourself in any of the Daves above? Maybe in a few of them? Which ones? Why? Can you describe how the gospel convicts and comforts you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, you have called me to put to death the earthly, evil desires that lead me to seek my own greatness. Help me to recognize those and fight against them in your strength, that I might seek your greatness, your glory. Amen.
Photo by Carlos N. Cuatzo Meza on Unsplash
