SELFISH AMBITION               (2)                        Mark 10:41-45

But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them. (v42)

(2) STRIFE AND A SPIRIT OF JEALOUSY.

In Mark 10:41 it says that the ten were displeased with James and John. The reason was that they were fearful that Jesus might grant James and John their petition, taking the place the ten desired for themselves. Ambition is always marked by jealousy. Jealousy comes from the fear that the accomplishments of others cheapen our sense of value. It is that feeling of anxiousness we experience when we hear about someone else experiencing the blessings of God or when we hear about the success of a fellow Christian. It often includes the secret delight we feel at the news of someone’s failure. An attitude of insecurity expresses  itself many times in strife. In Mark 9:33 Jesus asked the disciples what they had been arguing about as they walked to the city of Capernaum. The Bible says the disciples were ashamed because they had been arguing about who was the greatest among them. Strife is a war of words that reveals a heart of ambition fueled by deep sealed insecurity. In Proverbs 13:10 It says, “By pride comes nothing but strife.” Jesus continues to instruct His disciples concerning the driving force of self-centeredness which springs from insecurity – Read Mark 10:12-45, Jesus came to this earth to serve sacrifice, to give His life a ransome for many. (MIKE FEHLAUeR)

PRAYER LINE: As you pray, meditate on the example of our Lord Jesus Christ. Pray Father, give me a heart to be Christ-like, to serve others knowing that I am doing Your will. Hallelujah. Amen.

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A heart surrendered brings God’s presence.