Mark 9:33-34 "And they came to Capernaum. And when he was in the house he asked them, ‘What were you discussing on the way? But they kept silent, for on the way they had argued with one another about who was the greatest.”

It is part of human nature to strive and compete to be the best. Human nature is ego-driven. We often measure and establish our self-esteem and position by how we “stack up” compared to everyone else. While it may seem somewhat appalling that the apostles would argue about such a thing…it is a totally human thing to do. It is also something that they knew they should not have been concerned with. How do we know that? Their silence at Jesus’ question. While we don’t consider it embarrassing to fight and jockey for positions in our workplace or on athletic teams or in other endeavors, it is something that we do without openly acknowledging it. After all, if you have to tell someone you are great – you’re probably not. It only means something when someone else recognizes it in you. The apostles were undoubtedly touting their education, past accomplishments, or number of times doing this good deed or that good deed. But they knew their master. They knew he would never approve of such selfish discussions. And they were right. Jesus had taught them the exact opposite.

Pray: Heavenly Father, my selfishness at times and my desire to elevate myself is embarrassing. I know that my life is not supposed to be about me. Help me today I pray to concern myself not with past accolades, which are of no use today and even less use tomorrow, and focus instead on the needs of others now. In the name of the one who showed me the way, my blessed Lord Jesus, I pray – Amen.