Matthew 18:2-5 And Jesus called a little child to him, and set him in the middle of them,… Now this ambition to be the greatest is a very common weakness in our nature, — to be great, to be first, to be the greatest anywhere, however small the little kingdom may be, to be the first "minister in the kingdom, or, if you can, to be the king of the little kingdom. Better reign anywhere than serve in high positions. To have power, to see our own thoughts carried out, to make men, and things, and circumstances, do as we like, — it is very delightful, exceedingly fascinating, and it has a great charm for our minds, believe somewhat of it is natural, and I do not think it is altogether sinful. The natural is not sinful. Whatever God has put in us is right. A lad has fine powers. and God has put ambition into the lad to use his powers, so that if he is at school he desires to take the first place. Do not blame him; it is quite natural; the ambition is in him. But, on the other hand, I must say what is true about this. There are very many considerations which wonderfully qualify this desire to be first. (Thomas Jones.) Parallel Verses KJV: And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them,WEB: Jesus called a little child to himself, and set him in the midst of them, |
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