Self-centeredness is the quality of being preoccupied with oneself and one’s own affairs. It is kin to ego-centrism, which is thinking only of oneself without regard for the feelings or desires of others.
So much of what we encounter can be attributed to the source of self-centeredness, which shapes our experiences. The verse in Proverbs 13 is something you should take a moment to research, as its impact is so remarkable that you might find it hard to believe unless you read it in your own Bible. In verse 10, it is written, “Controversy and conflict result from pride, whereas wisdom comes to those who seek counsel.” Pride can’t be the only thing that causes contention or strife. In Proverbs 17:14, it is stated that contention serves as the initial trigger for conflict, suggesting that there must be additional factors at play in one’s pride. I have been pierced by the things that so-and-so has done to me. While it may not rank among the leading causes, it is still worth considering as a contributing factor. Some individuals would again disagree and argue, “I have many problems, but pride is not one of them.” If anything, I’ve got such low self-esteem that there’s no way anybody can accuse me of pride.
In order to move forward, we must redefine our understanding of pride. The concept of narcissism involves more than just believing you are superior to others; at its core, it is the perception of oneself as the focal point of everything. Self-centeredness can be identified as the fundamental basis of all pride. In the book of Numbers, specifically in chapter 12, Miriam and Aaron, Moses’s sister and brother, criticized him for entering an interracial marriage. They questioned whether the Lord only spoke to Moses. Has he not, in addition, spoken through us? In verse 3 and within parentheses, the Scripture states that Moses was recognized as the meekest man on the face of the earth. Rather than taking offense to their comments, he opted to pray and intercede for them.
(Mark 9:33-37, ESV), Who is the Greatest? “And they came to Capernaum. And when he was in the house, he asked them, What were you discussing on the way? But they kept silent, for in the way they had argued with one another about who was the greatest. And he sat down and called the twelve. And he said to them, If anyone would be first, he must be the last and servant of all. And he took a child and put him amid them, and taking him in his arms, he said to them, Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me, receives not me but him who sent me.”
Confused by Jesus’ prediction of His death, the disciples return to a subject they know well: their greatness. Jesus shows them that true status is found in serving God’s values. When we are tempted to debate who is the greatest, we should instead look to where the Master hangs on the cross. He represents us before the Father in order to redeem us, and He leads us by the cross into a new life. Lord, forgive us for our battles over greatness. Remind us You alone are great, for You have served the least among us. Amen.
(Luke 22:24-27, ESV), Who is the Greatest? A dispute also arose among them as to which of them was to be regarded as the greatest. And he said to them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those in authority over them are called benefactors, but not so with you. Rather, let the greatest among you become the youngest and the leader who serves. For who is the greater, one who reclines at the table or one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at the table? But I am among you as the one who serves.
The question of the betrayer contrasts with the argument about who is the “greatest.” It is ironic because Jesus offered His body and blood. Jesus defines greatness through leadership, service, exercise, and lordship. Leaders in this world are served, giving orders for others to fulfill. Benefactors, an honorary title combining respect and authority, are given to princes and other leaders. Jesus contrasts greatness in the world (being served) and in the Church (serving). Youngest. The one with the least claim over others. “Christ rebukes this error of the apostles and teaches that there shall not be lordship or superiority among them. Instead, the apostles would be sent forth as equals to the common ministry of the Gospel”
(Proverbs 13:10, ESV), “By insolence comes nothing but strife, but with those who take advice is wisdom.”
The word translated as “insolence” comes from a Hebrew verb literally meaning “to boil.” This suggests an inward, bubbling pride that refuses to learn anything from anybody. An insolent person is a contentious, know-it-all, egotistical individual with a superior attitude. He is quick to quarrel and unwilling to agree with anyone with a different view. Such persons create a great deal of drama but accomplish little else.
The philosophers at Mars Hill who rejected the apostle Paul’s message about Jesus were insolent. They called Paul a babbler. Some of those who heard Paul preach about the resurrection made fun of him. Paul advised young Timothy to receive advice. He writes: “Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.” He also offered good counsel: “Do not be haughty but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your sight.”
(Galatians 2:20, ESV), “I have been crucified with Christ. No longer I live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved and gave himself for me.”
No longer I live, but Christ who lives in me. Luther: “By [faith] you are so cemented to Christ that He and you are as one person” Luther’s Work Volume 26 page 168, in the flesh, this earthly life.
For the first time, Paul mentions Jesus’ motive for giving Himself to us: love. Christ died for us because He loves us. Unlike the unyielding system of the law, Christ is motivated by His love and concern for us.
(Matthew 7:12 ESV), So whatever you wish others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.
It is important to note that Jesus was not the first person to promote the evaluation of behavior, considering how one would like to be treated. Both Jewish and Greek teachers from earlier times also present this idea as a negative statement, which advises against treating others in a way that you would not wish to be treated. In the vast majority of situations, this concept mainly suggests that individuals should strive not to cause harm, which essentially entails abstaining from actively perpetrating acts of wrongdoing. Jesus clarifies that positive action is not just a suggestion but an essential component of living by the rule. God expects us to pursue the qualities or actions that we want to see in others, as this aligns with His divine guidance. Jesus further elaborates on this concept when he discusses the commandments of God in later comments (Matthew 22:34–40).
Shalom
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