Greatness --- Mark 9:33-37

Then they came to Capernaum; and when he was in the house he asked them, “What were you arguing about on the way?” But they were silent, for on the way they had argued with one another who was the greatest. He sat down, called the twelve, and said to the them, “Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all.” (Mark 9:33-35)

It’s obvious they told someone what they were arguing about since Jesus knew and addressed the issue. It must have been a tad embarrassing for all of them. After all, what had any of them done to deserve greatness in the first place? Putting greatness aside, what had any of them demonstrated that would impute any sense of leadership to any one of them?

I suppose I could cast a few stones in the direction, but I am pitiful myself when it comes to that kind of nonsense. Not so much greatness, as recognition and attention. I have made progress in moving away from that in some regards, but there is still much work to be done. Nevertheless, it’s a sad state of affairs. I was just thinking of it last night as I was going to bed in fact. So maybe God is giving me a bit of a wake up call this morning.

There is no secret when it comes to the “why” of it. I am pretty clear on that. I guess I’m just disappointed that I haven’t dumped more of that baggage then I have. Then again, maybe I have released more than I realize, and what’s left over I am more sensitive too. I think I like that better. Either way, it appears there is more work to be done.

Father, it really is pitiful the way I look for or seek recognition. I think sometimes it is to affirm my worth, but you have already done that, so why isn’t that enough? Grant me the courage to let go of whatever it is I’m hanging on to and seek only your love, rest only in your grace, and find all that I need in your presence. In Jesus Name.