DCLM Daily Manna 27 October 2022 Devotional By Pastor W. F. Kumuyi — Selfishness Is Damning
TOPIC: Selfishness Is Damning (DCLM Daily Manna 27 October 2022)
TEXT: Matthew 18:1-6 (KJV)
1 At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?
2 And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them,
3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
5 And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.
6 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.
KEY VERSE: “At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” (Matthew 18:1)
MESSAGE:
In his book, “The Purpose Driven Life”, Rich Warren says, “Focusing on ourselves will never reveal our life’s purpose. Until we understand that our lives begin with God as Creator and exist only because God wills it so, life will never make sense. We were made by God and for God”.
The text centres on the question the disciples of Jesus asked Him: “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” In response, Christ called a little child unto Him and told them that except they are converted and become like little children, they cannot enter into the kingdom of heaven. He that receives a little child in His name actually receives Him.
The disciples of Jesus had from time to time argued about who should be the greatest among them (Mark 9:33, 34). Even the sons of Zebedee, James and John, had to employ the service of their mother to press further their desire (Matthew 20:20-22). The question they asked here was no doubt motivated by “self”. This canal nature was eventually subdued when they became sanctified (Acts 2:1).
Self gives rise to strife, envy, discord, judgmental attitude, resentment and all kinds of distortions. It brings disorder and chaos to an otherwise peaceful and cordial atmosphere and relationship. Self is pride-motivated. It pays for man to realise that whatever he has – wealth, wisdom, beauty, strength, intelligence, anointing, etc. – is given to him by God. Therefore, he must not “think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith” (Romans 12:3).
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
Heaven belongs to the humble.
THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
Proverbs 18-20
DCLM Daily Manna was written by Pastor W. F. Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.
