An argument started among the disciples as to which of them would be the greatest. Luke 9:46
The desire to be somebody and to amount to something in life lurks in many human hearts. All of us desire, at least in some measure, to stand well with our fellow human beings and to have them say a good word about us.
This desire is, in some respects, a good thing. It stimulates us to do our best in our activities. It prompts us to strive for excellence in all our efforts.
There is such a thing, however, as excessive ambition, false pride, and love of praise for its own sake. Even the disciples of Christ were at times filled with this false pride. In the Gospels we read about the disciples debating among themselves who was the greatest. At such times Jesus took occasion to tell them what true greatness consists of in the sight of God and what it demands of a person.
God's standard of greatness is different from that of the world. The world lusts for power, wealth, knowledge, status, and extraordinary performances. However, in God's sight a person who has a trusting faith in Jesus, who obeys God's laws, and who humbly serves in the Lord's kingdom is truly great.
By our faith in the Savior, our obedience to the will of God, and our service to the Lord we can demonstrate that greatness that is the joy of God.
PRAYER: Lord, teach us to find delight in you and in Your Son. Amen.
(Devotions from "The Abundant Life" copyright 1998, CPH. All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be printed, reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior written permission of Concordia Publishing House. Permission is granted for one-time e-mailing of this link to a friend. For information on other devotional material, please contact CPH at 800-325-3040 or visit CPH at www.cph.org.)
Today's Bible Readings: Isaiah 3-4 2 Corinthians 12
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