Having a competitive spirit isn’t a sin … Many of us sin with a competitive spirit because of how we treat others and our desire for selfish ambition.
You may have read my previous blog post that highlighted God doesn’t care about all of that and now today I reflect on Jesus’ disciples.
“They came to Capernaum. When he was in the house, he asked them, “What were you arguing about on the road?” But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest.” Mark 9:33-34
As Christians we all may have been in situations where we knowingly or unknowingly compete either for leadership, status, or role. The disciples themselves got caught up in their need to see who was greatest among them.
And like scolded children when asked what they were talking about they were quiet. They realized what they were doing was not Godly. How embarrassing!
God doesn’t care about us trying to compete to be the greatest among men.
In fact, Jesus went on to say “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.”” Mark 9:35
I have a passion to serve. I love serving.
In this verse, Jesus tells us that in our world today that values power, roles are reversed in HIS mind. In HIS kingdom it won’t be the richest man or the one with the most power on earth that will be considered first. It will be the least of us.
Thoughts: How are we treating and taking care of the least of us in our community? Are we being obedient to God’s word by loving everyone regardless of who they are as noted in this post? Or are we setting ourselves up for embarrassment by trying to convince ourselves and others that we are the greatest?
Prayer: Abba Father, forgive us our childish desires to be the greatest out of our own selfish ambition. Create in us a passion to serve others and be obedient to your word. In Jesus name. Amen