self promotion

Mark 9

33 After they arrived at Capernaum and settled in a house, Jesus asked his disciples,

     "What were you discussing out on the road?"


34 But they didn't answer, because they had been arguing about which of them was the greatest.


35 He sat down, called the twelve disciples over to him, and said,

      "Whoever wants to be first must take last place and be the servant of everyone else."


  36 Then he put a little child among them.

Taking the child in his arms, he said to them,


     37 "Anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf welcomes me,

     and anyone who welcomes me welcomes not only me but also my Father who sent me."



there seems to be a lot of self promotion going on out there.

now amongst people who are not Christ followers, I guess we can kind of expect that.

But amongst believers...?

I don't know...


If we are surrendered to the "whatever" God wants & dreams for us, then is it safe to say it is His responsibility to work out details of our lives - iow, we listen out for His leading & His directing rather than pushing ourselves forward, telling people what we can do?

Jesus says here we need to move into a servant role - iow, serving others, not serving our own personal goals & dreams.

And we leave the outcome to Him?

Does our self promotion ultimately reveal a lack of trust?

Or just self absorption?

Or both?


So, what are we supposed to do? What behavior models should we follow?


If we're in ministry for Him, as His servant, to be & do in a who, what, where, when, & how ever mode, then we wait for Him to place us wherever, whenever, wherever, with whomever, however He chooses?

Are we to take on a more passive, servant mode?

Is there a fine line we must navigate, or is it straightforward?