Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to him and said to him, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.”  He replied, “What do you wish [me] to do for you?” They answered him, “Grant that in your glory we may sit one at your right and the other at your left.”
Mark 10:35-37

James and John petition for a share in Jesus’ impending power, hurrying to be chosen ahead of the other disciples. Even though they had been following Jesus for some time, they still believed Jesus would preside over an earthly kingdom.

We, too, are often guilty of making selfish requests of God, focusing on our own personal glory. More money, more power, more influence…our aspirations constantly control and distract us.

This week, ask yourself honestly where your selfish desire for success might be eclipsing your relationship with God. Name it, and pray to the Holy Spirit for humility as you contemplate surrendering this to God.