Rivalry Stinks

Then they came to Capernaum. Wen He was in the house, He asked them, "What were you arguing about on the way?" But they were silent, because on the way they had been arguing with one another about who was the greatest. Sitting down, He called the Twelve and said to them, "If anyone wants to be first, he must be last of all and servant of all. Then He took a child, had him stand among them, and taking him in His arms, He said to them, "Whoever welcomes one little child such as his in My name welcomes Me. And whoever welcomes Me does not welcome Me but Him who sent Me. Mark 9:33-37

We are on the way and we argue about many things, self-important drives most arguments. Either we think we are more than we are or one we support is more than they are.

The apostle Paul had to deal with this in 1Corinthians chapter 1 and he goes on to explain why in chapter 3, we are immature. When we know God's heart and are in close fellowship with Him we are less inclined to take sides or enter judgement.

Rivalry is a big problem and we need to turn to God for His opinion rather than presume we are right. The mere fact that it exists in U.S. Means we are in the flesh and do not have the mind of God.

Jesus tries to help His disciples understand a true servant is the greatest and one of the greatest acts is serving children. May I extrapolate and say: therefore Sunday schools workers and scripture teachers have a high honour. Amen!

I have just spent a lovely day with two of my grandchildren and we ended by celebrating Christmas in July, mainly because my home is not considered at Christmas as a place where family would like to spend Chrsitmas. This is the first time my daughter and her children have ever stayed with me and the eldest is 10.

I revelled in my time with the children. We decorated the house, played games, went roller blading, climbed my mountain, cooked a special dinner of roast beef and Yorkshire puddings, my daughter made a beautiful pudding for dessert, ooh! It was nice. I am feeling very much like Santa Claus with a full tummy.

I love my grandchildren and enjoy teaching them things about life. My grandson began singing a song I sing to them often about being patient. I trust that this time is filled with the best, most fondest memories and that God uses them for His glory. Amen!

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