Thousands imagine that they are humble
(J. C. Ryle, "The Gospel of
Luke" 1858)
"A dispute arose among them as to which of them
was considered to be greatest." Luke 22:24
See how firmly pride and love of preeminence
can stick to the hearts of Christian men!
The sin before us is a very old one . . .
ambition,
self esteem, and
self conceit
lie deep at the bottom of all men's hearts, and
often in the hearts where they are least suspected.
Thousands imagine that they are humble,
who cannot bear to see an equal more honored
and favored than themselves!
The quantity of envy and jealousy in the world
is a glaring proof of the prevalence of pride.
Let us live on our guard against this sore disease,
if we make any profession of serving Christ. The
harm that it has done to the Church of Christ is
far beyond calculation.
Let us learn to take pleasure in the prosperity
of others, and to be content with the lowest
place for ourselves.