What attitudes should we adopt to avoid disputes like in Luke 9:46? A Dispute in the Making – Luke 9:46-48 “Then an argument started among the disciples as to which of them would be the greatest. But Jesus, knowing the reasoning of their hearts, took a little child and had him stand beside Him. And He said to them, ‘Whoever welcomes this little child in My name welcomes Me, and whoever welcomes Me welcomes the One who sent Me. For whoever is least among you, he is the greatest.’” Diagnosing the Heart Issue • Pride whispered, “Be first.” • Comparison fanned the flames. • Forgetfulness of Jesus’ example left them vulnerable. Attitude #1: Humility—Choosing the Lowest Place • Scripture spotlight: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves.” (Philippians 2:3-4) • Practical angle: Consciously praise others’ gifts; resist the urge to self-promote. • Result: Pride loses its grip, and disputes fade before they start. Attitude #2: Servant-Heartedness—Looking for Feet to Wash • Scripture spotlight: “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.” (Matthew 20:26) • Practical angle: Seek unnoticed tasks—setting up chairs, cleaning, listening. • Result: Competition gives way to cooperation. Attitude #3: Childlike Trust—Welcoming the ‘Least’ • Scripture spotlight: “Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:4) • Practical angle: Approach God and people without pretension, eager to learn. • Result: A family atmosphere replaces rivalry. Attitude #4: Esteeming Others—Honoring Your Brother or Sister • Scripture spotlight: “Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.” (Romans 12:10) • Practical angle: Speak well of others when they are absent; celebrate their successes. • Result: Honor disarms jealousy. Attitude #5: Peace-Making—Sowing Calm Words • Scripture spotlight: “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” (Proverbs 15:1); “Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.” (James 3:18) • Practical angle: When tensions rise, lower your voice, listen first, and affirm common ground. • Result: Arguments lose momentum. Attitude #6: Cross-Centered Perspective—Keeping the Main Thing Central • Scripture spotlight: “May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Galatians 6:14) • Practical angle: Daily remember that every believer stands level at the foot of the cross. • Result: Shared gratitude eclipses self-importance. Attitude #7: Kingdom Vision—Living for Eternal Rewards • Scripture spotlight: “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” (Colossians 3:2) • Practical angle: Measure success by faithfulness, not applause. • Result: Temporal jockeying feels trivial compared to eternal joys. Putting It All Together 1. Start each day acknowledging Christ’s lordship; pride can’t thrive where Jesus is enthroned. 2. Look deliberately for ways to serve before being asked. 3. Speak blessing over fellow believers, whether they hear it or not. 4. Stay childlike—ready to learn, slow to demand. 5. When disagreement surfaces, step back, breathe, pray, and respond with gentleness. Live these attitudes, and the spirit of Luke 9:46 dissipates, replaced by unity that reflects the heart of Christ. |
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