Lenten self-examination: The disciples disputed among themselves ...

And he came to Capernaum: and being in the house he asked them, What was it that you all disputed among yourselves along the way? But they held their peace: for along the way they had disputed among themselves, who should be the greatest. And he sat down, and called the twelve, and said to them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all. (Mark 9:33-35)

There are a few times where the gospels show the disciples arguing amongst themselves. It's human nature; divisions occur. And disputes over the top spot, the MVP, the prestige, the leadership -- things haven't changed much since the disciples' day. 

In my self-examination this week I found that I'm determined to be the best. That's not quite the same thing as determined to be excellent, or determined to be the best that I can be. There's a competitive edge to it. When other people are recognized and honored, do I rejoice for them? Or do I wish it had been me? I find it reassuring that the disciples went through the same thing, so common a human temptation. I find it reassuring that Jesus addressed it. Jesus lived his own words: he made himself servant of all, found himself a convicted criminal. That kind of "best" is not at anyone else's expense, and does not covet another person's position or reputation or recognition. That kind of "best" is the kind that meets the needs of others. That kind of "best" is compatible with loving our neighbors as ourselves.