(Mark 9:33-50)
33 They came to Capernaum; and when He was in the house, He began to question them: “What were you discussing on the way?” 34 But they kept silent, for on the way they had discussed with one another which of them was the greatest. 35 And sitting down, He called the twelve and said to them, “If anyone wants to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all.” 36 And He took a child and placed him among them, and taking him in His arms, He said to them, 37 “Whoever receives one child like this in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me does not receive Me, but Him who sent Me.”TODAY'S TAKEAWAY:
People are very competitive! Competition is not a bad thing, until sin is introduced. Our problem is that we are sinful, selfish and self-centered. And if and when one starts to love money and power, things will go very wrong. If and when one places great importance on their appearances, things will go very wrong. Etc.
Competition can be healthy, when we are striving to do the best we can at who we are and what we are doing- when it is done with God's love, guidance and strength! Otherwise, we can not only drive ourselves crazy, but we can negatively impact others in our "religions" of success.
Of course, sports is a great outlet to use aggression "for good" when we play with integrity, according to the rules. It's okay and even good to work hard, as unto the Lord, which will provide greater opportunities for promotions, and not have us mooching off of others. But most importantly, working with integrity will be a living testimony for God. Whatever it is that we are striving for or towards, it needs to be in proper perspective.
Since our spiritual walk with the Lord is all about having a personal relationship with Him, and it is all about serving the Lord in promoting His will and desire that all come to know Him, whatever we do and say should reflect Jesus and His love. Since it is not OUR love and OUR way that will bring true success in showing GOD'S love and carrying out GOD'S will, it comes down to how humble we are.
Like a child, one is to humbly repent and receive the Lord into their hearts. And like a child, we are to continuously depend on the Lord for everything! If we are concerned about being great, or better than someone else, that means that we have taken our eyes off of God, and are focused on ourselves and others. It is only when we ask and allow the Lord to work for us, with us, in us and through us, that the Lord can accomplish great things. Just like Jesus came in flesh to serve, we are to have the heart of a servant- a heart for THE Servant- who died for us, saved us, cares for us, equips us and helps us!!!
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