**One weakness common to every human is the desire to be above everyone else.** A proof of the spiritual depravity of the soul. The cravings of the soul, without redemption, is a twisted longing for ways to project “self”.
Even before God, the “self” still seeks for ways to “boast”.
[source](https://pixabay.com/photos/man-board-drawing-muscles-strong-2037255/)
As I was reading the book of Matthew 18:1-4, the words of Jesus fell deep into my spirit.
>Then Jesus called a little child to Him, and set him in the midst of them,
And said, assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted, and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 18:2-3 (NKJV)
How could Jesus use a little child to model the criteria for entering the kingdom of heaven? Verse 4 tells us what Jesus was pointing at —humility! Prior to this, the disciples had argued about “who was the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” They wanted to know **“who”** but Jesus pointed them to **”what”**.
Greatness in the kingdom of God isn't about **who**. Jesus is the one who paid the price to procure our salvation. So the thought of what is or could be the greatest was an indicator that **“self”** was at work in the heart of the disciples. They were looking for a platform to procure a bragging right with God (the kind of thing the Pharisees would do. Luke 18:10-11).
Ephesians 2 vs 8 tells us that
>by grace were ye saved, not by works lest any man should **boast**.
Jesus knowing where such a question was coming from quickly pointed them to what they were to do if they were even going to enter the kingdom of heaven not to talk of becoming great. Because in the kingdom of God there is only one G.O.A.T(Greatest Of All Time) — the Man, Jesus Christ.
The disciples thought and argument about kingdom greatness was a “heart problem”—their motive wasn't pure. Jesus used a rather strong word in addressing the state of their heart, “unless you are **converted**..” They needed a heart transplant, not a heart lift. You can't enter the kingdom of heaven with a heart that is strongly fixated on position and power (their idea of “greatness” I guess). Jesus clearly interpreted their question by using a child as an example of who they need to become in contrast to who they had in mind. Because the Kingdom of Heaven is not just a **PLACE** where we go competing for position and power but a **PERSON** who paid the ultimate price for us so that **“in Him we live, and move and have our being”** and be **”complete in Him”** (Acts 17:28a; Colossians 2:10).
[source](https://pixabay.com/photos/chess-pawn-king-game-queen-1483735/)
Jesus Christ is the Greatest as long as the Kingdom of God or Heaven is the topic of discussion. He is the Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last. The **Who**, the **What**, the **When**, the **When**, the **How**, and the **Why** of our faith. He is our greatest example in faith, character, and life.
>looking unto Jesus, the **Author** and **Finisher** of our faith.Hebrews 12:2 (KJV).
Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:
That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:5-11 (KJV)
We may strive to become great and successful and influential in our earthly endeavors. But in the Kingdom of God it is more important to be **surrendered** than to be **successful**.
James and John, two brothers —through their mother—desired positions at the sides of Jesus, thinking that Jesus might become a political figure or leader, but Jesus told them that even the positions they sought were prepared for those to whom they were prepared. The other disciples became angry at the two brothers, probably because they had gone behind their backs with that demand.
>But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them.
But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister;
And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant:
Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many. Matthew 20:25-28 (KJV).
Yes Jesus knows the heart of man how it is. That is why Proverbs 4:23 says to “guard it”.
But if you wish to boast, here is what the Bible says:
>But those who wish to boast should boast in this alone: that they truly know me and understand that I am the lord who demonstrates unfailing love and who brings justice and righteousness to the earth, and that I delight in these things. I, the lord, have spoken! Jeremiah 9:24(NLT).
Shalom.
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