The Desire to be First
Mark 9:33-37
And he came to Capernaum: and being in the house he asked them, What was it that you disputed among yourselves by the way?…


If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last (Mark 5:35). There is no way in which men are surer to outwit themselves than in looking out for themselves over everybody else. The poorest servant in the world is the one who always puts himself before his employer. The poorest place to buy anything is where the dealer never regards the interest of his customers. He is less than nothing as a friend who gives his friend the second place in his plans and course. No politician can be a leader while it appears that he cares only for his own advancement, and nothing for the voters. What would a soldier be worth whose aim was to look out for his own safety and comfort in times of service and battle? And if this principle be applicable in other fields, how much more does it apply to Christian service! He who is intent on what he can gain out of his religion, will be behind the poorest servant of Christ who is a servant in truth as well as in name. Self-seeking is self- destroying in the kingdom of God.

(H. Clay Trumbull.)



Parallel Verses
KJV: And he came to Capernaum: and being in the house he asked them, What was it that ye disputed among yourselves by the way?

WEB: He came to Capernaum, and when he was in the house he asked them, "What were you arguing among yourselves on the way?"




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