Mark 9:33-34 They came to Capernaum. When he was in the house, he asked them, “What were you arguing about on the road?” But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest.
“God sees our heart and hears our conversations”
Jesus is the silent guest who observes and listens to everything that happens in our homes. He is part of the ego tantrums, silly arguments and erratic emotional outbursts. He not only hears our humble prayers in the prayer closet but also takes part in the prideful outbursts self-centered discourse.
Jesus was an outstanding Master and Leader who led by example. He practiced what He preached. His love was unfathomable; His service was selfless and meekness was exemplary. Yet, “power conflict” arose among the disciples. They got into a silly argument of who was the greatest among them all. Each one would have bragged what they did for Jesus claiming that they were His favorite. Jesus was silently listening to their quarrel. It would have been like the ‘sibling squabble’ in the back seat of the car!
Jesus gave them a profound advice – “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all” (vs 35). The last and the least in the world would be first in God’s Kingdom.
Convictions and conversations:
1. Thoughts: “Clean thoughts, clean tongue”. It is important to declutter our mind and watch our thoughts. God hears our thoughts as much as He listens to our talk. You understand my thoughts from afar (Psalm 139:2a). Surrender unholy, unwholesome and ugly thoughts before they become words.
2. Tongue: “Tongue test” validates the commitment and the cleanliness of our soul. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body (James 3:2). Purity of our tongue molds us into perfection.
3. Tantrums: Taming our thoughts and tongue is a mark of maturity. Egoistical tantrums are ugly traits that only prove that we are still babies in our spiritual growth. Both our mind and mouth must be clothed with meekness.
The Lord God is a silent guest in all our conversations. So, think before you speak.
Prayer: Dear Jesus, teach me to bridle my thoughts and tongue and to always glorify you with my mouth. Amen.
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