*From my journal, The Salt Shaker, written February 28, 2015...
I’m reading the text in Luke and ran across this:
Luke 22:24-27 – 24 A dispute also arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest. 25 Jesus said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. 26 But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. 27 For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.
I was thinking of how sobering it is when we get involved in disputes because we let pride slip in at times when we should be thinking about more important things. Jesus had just mentioned His betrayal and pronounced a “woe” on the one who would betray Him. And Jesus’ disciples started bickering about who would serve whom.
Have you ever heard of or been involved in a dispute about your self-imposed importance?
I’m more spiritual than they are.
I’ve been saved longer than they have.
I know more about the bible than they do.
I can do a better job running that small group than they can.
I’ve seen disputes like this and have been involved in a couple at my place of worship. But I like how Jesus guides us back to where we’re supposed to be in our thoughts and actions. His words still say that He came to serve, and we should always be ready to serve others as He did.
Mark 9:34-35 – 34 But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest. 35 Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.”
Lord, I'm thankful you don't look at social statuses and high positions, but you look at the heart instead. I pray we develop a humble attitude and place other people's concerns above our own. I pray you will help us to get rid of that "how great I am" attitude in the name of Jesus - amen.
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