[b]Pope Self[/b](J. C. Ryle, "The Gospel of Luke" 1858)"An argument started among the disciples as towhich of them would be the greatest." Luke 9:46Astonishing as it may seem, this little companyof fishermen and publicans was not beyond theplague of a self seeking and ambitious spirit.There is something very instructive in this fact.It ought to sink down deeply into the heart ofevery Christian reader. Of all sins, there is noneagainst which we have such need to watch andprayas PRIDE.No sin is so deeply rooted in our nature.Pride cleaves to us like our skin!Its roots never entirely die. They are ready,at any moment, to spring up, and exhibit amost pernicious vitality.No sin is so senseless and deceitful.It can wear the garb of humility itself!Pride can lurk in the hearts of the ignorant,the vile, and the pooras well as in the mindsof the great, the learned, and the rich.It is a quaint and homely saying, but onlytoo truethat no pope has ever receivedsuch honor as "Pope Self."Of all creatures, none has so little a right to beproud as man; and of all men, none ought to beso humble as the Christian. Is it really true thatwe confess ourselves to be "miserable sinners,"and daily debtors to mercy and grace? Are we thefollowers of Jesus, who was meek and humble ofheart? Then let that same mind be in us whichwas in Him. "Learn from Me, for I am gentle andhumble in heart." Matthew 11:29
_________________SI Moderator - Greg Gordon