Continue with Learning To Be Lowly In Mind

The disciples of Jesus had to learn that. They were adults when they became his disciples and had a measure of the worldly spirit of rivalry in them. When the mother of two of them sought prominence for her sons, Jesus said: " The rulers of the nations lord it over [the people] and the great men wield authority over them. This is not the way among you; But whoever wants to become great among you must be your minister, and whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave. Just as the Son of man [Jesus] came, not to be ministered to, but to minister and to give his soul a ransom in exchange for many." (Matthew 20:20-28) When Jesus told his disciples not to use titles to try to elevate themselves, he added: " All you are brothers." - Matthew 23:8.

A true follower of Jesus is a servant, yes, a slave to fellow Christians. (Galatians 5:13) Especially is this so with those who want to qualify for oversight in the congregation. They should never compete for prominence or power; they are not to 'lord it over those who are God's inheritance but are to become examples to them.' (1Peter5:3) Indeed, a self-seeking spirit is an indication that a man is unfit for oversight. Such a person would be injurious to the congregation. True, It is proper to 'reach out for an office of overseer,' but this should spring from a desire to serve other Christians. This office is not a position of prominence or power, for those in oversight should be among the most lowly of mind in the congregation.- 1Timothy 3:1, 6.

The apostle John calls our attention to a person who had the wrong viewpoint, stating: " I wrote something to the congregation, but Diotrephes, who likes to have the first place among them, does not receive anything from us with respect." This man dealt with others disrespectfully to try to advance his own position. Instead, God's spirit moved John to incorporate in the Bible a denunciation of Diotrephes because of his me-first attitude. - 3John 9:10.

Next time: The Right Attitude