Character… What Can Kill It? #6 – Selfish Ambition
* We have been addressing the general theme of what can kill the character in a person. But before we go into today’s topic, the question arises, “what is a Christian character?” I would say it is the strength of moral fiber. Character is revealed by the way we behave, by our attitudes and by what we say. Even our body language can manifest our character. A Christian character is based on the values and principles in our life. In other words, if we truly believe in certain principles – if they are part of our core values, then our actions, attitudes and speech will reveal them. That is why Jesus said, “By their fruit you will know them.” Mt 7:16.
* If we have good biblical/God-fearing values instilled in us they necessarily will manifest themselves in our day-by-day lifestyle. If our values are based on “I” & “ME” then our lifestyle will reflect that as well. Now that we have that out of the way, let’s address our topic for today: Ambition.
* Ambition is not necessarily negative. When it is not selfish, when it is directed towards discovering new technologies, new medicines… improving the quality of life of humanity, then, it is a positive force and very helpful. Paul said, “Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands.” 1 Thessalonians 4:11. Paul also said, “For everyone looks out for their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 2:21. We are also told, “Don't be selfish; don't try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves.” Phil 2:3. So, you see, ambition can certainly be a good thing.
* If on the other hand, a person has values and principles where the “I” is the center of everything… If a person wants to climb the totem pole of fame & riches even if he/she needs to trample on others to acquire what is desired… then ambition is absolutely evil. In that case it destroys not only oneself, but the people around that particular person as well. This kind of ambition we can define as “an intense drive for success or power; a desire to achieve honor, wealth or fame.” To be ambitious, in the worldly sense, is essentially to be determined to have more than your neighbor. Its motto is “he with the most toys wins”; ambition strives to be number one.
* One day a certain old, rich man of a miserable disposition visited a rabbi, who took the rich man by the hand and led him to a window. “Look out there”, he said. The rich man looked into the street. “What do you see?” asked the rabbi. "I see men, women, and children,” answered the rich man. Again the rabbi took him by the hand and this time led him to a mirror. "Now what do you see?" "Now I see myself”, the rich man replied. Then the rabbi said, "Behold, in the window there is glass, and in the mirror there is glass. But the glass of the mirror is covered with a little silver, and no sooner is the silver added than you cease to see others, but you see only yourself.”
* We are told to go all out to be the best, to have a bigger house, a fancier car, a larger paycheck than our neighbor. The Bible teaches us the opposite. The apostle Paul tells us, “Therefore we also have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him.” 2 Corinthians 5:9. The Greek word for “ambition,” philotim, means literally “to esteem as an honor.” So what do we esteem or honor – ourselves or God and His principles for living? Christ taught us that to be first in the Kingdom is to become a servant (Matthew 20:26-28; Matthew 23:11-12).
* Those whose ambition is to be popular with the world, become rich no matter what the cost, cannot be true, faithful servants of Jesus Christ. If our ambition is to seek the things of the world, we are self-seeking and denying Christ and His sacrifice (Matthew 10: 33; Matthew 16:24). But if it is our ambition to seek and honor Christ, we are assured of His profound promise: “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you.” Matthew 6:33.
* So, can ambition destroy our character? Yes! It has destroyed many people and turned them into evil beings who are detrimental to mankind. Do not let Satan fool you. Stay away from selfish ambition!
* Have a blessed Lenten season! Your pastor, Don Sonntag
* We have been addressing the general theme of what can kill the character in a person. But before we go into today’s topic, the question arises, “what is a Christian character?” I would say it is the strength of moral fiber. Character is revealed by the way we behave, by our attitudes and by what we say. Even our body language can manifest our character. A Christian character is based on the values and principles in our life. In other words, if we truly believe in certain principles – if they are part of our core values, then our actions, attitudes and speech will reveal them. That is why Jesus said, “By their fruit you will know them.” Mt 7:16.
* If we have good biblical/God-fearing values instilled in us they necessarily will manifest themselves in our day-by-day lifestyle. If our values are based on “I” & “ME” then our lifestyle will reflect that as well. Now that we have that out of the way, let’s address our topic for today: Ambition.
* Ambition is not necessarily negative. When it is not selfish, when it is directed towards discovering new technologies, new medicines… improving the quality of life of humanity, then, it is a positive force and very helpful. Paul said, “Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands.” 1 Thessalonians 4:11. Paul also said, “For everyone looks out for their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 2:21. We are also told, “Don't be selfish; don't try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves.” Phil 2:3. So, you see, ambition can certainly be a good thing.
* If on the other hand, a person has values and principles where the “I” is the center of everything… If a person wants to climb the totem pole of fame & riches even if he/she needs to trample on others to acquire what is desired… then ambition is absolutely evil. In that case it destroys not only oneself, but the people around that particular person as well. This kind of ambition we can define as “an intense drive for success or power; a desire to achieve honor, wealth or fame.” To be ambitious, in the worldly sense, is essentially to be determined to have more than your neighbor. Its motto is “he with the most toys wins”; ambition strives to be number one.
* One day a certain old, rich man of a miserable disposition visited a rabbi, who took the rich man by the hand and led him to a window. “Look out there”, he said. The rich man looked into the street. “What do you see?” asked the rabbi. "I see men, women, and children,” answered the rich man. Again the rabbi took him by the hand and this time led him to a mirror. "Now what do you see?" "Now I see myself”, the rich man replied. Then the rabbi said, "Behold, in the window there is glass, and in the mirror there is glass. But the glass of the mirror is covered with a little silver, and no sooner is the silver added than you cease to see others, but you see only yourself.”
* We are told to go all out to be the best, to have a bigger house, a fancier car, a larger paycheck than our neighbor. The Bible teaches us the opposite. The apostle Paul tells us, “Therefore we also have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him.” 2 Corinthians 5:9. The Greek word for “ambition,” philotim, means literally “to esteem as an honor.” So what do we esteem or honor – ourselves or God and His principles for living? Christ taught us that to be first in the Kingdom is to become a servant (Matthew 20:26-28; Matthew 23:11-12).
* Those whose ambition is to be popular with the world, become rich no matter what the cost, cannot be true, faithful servants of Jesus Christ. If our ambition is to seek the things of the world, we are self-seeking and denying Christ and His sacrifice (Matthew 10: 33; Matthew 16:24). But if it is our ambition to seek and honor Christ, we are assured of His profound promise: “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you.” Matthew 6:33.
* So, can ambition destroy our character? Yes! It has destroyed many people and turned them into evil beings who are detrimental to mankind. Do not let Satan fool you. Stay away from selfish ambition!
* Have a blessed Lenten season! Your pastor, Don Sonntag