Beware of Ambition

Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Him, saying, "Teacher, we want You to do for us whatever we ask." And He said to them, "What do you want Me to do for you?" They said to Him, "Grant us that we may sit, one on Your right hand and the other on Your left, in Your glory." (Mark 10:35-37)

Wanting to be first or great was not the disciples' only problem. Having Jesus right before them and not recognizing Who or what they were looking at was the real issue. God Himself was living among them, not only as Lord, but as the Son and Servant of Man -- bearing their burdens, healing their diseases, feeding, caring, teaching, sacrificing, and blessing. Yet, they could only see the perks of power and the awe it inspired. They were called to be co-servants with Jesus, but they were blind-sided by pride and ambition. Nothing much has changed. 

But Jesus said to them, "You do not know what you ask." (Mark 10:38)

We must beware of ambition, no matter how "spiritual" it is. David's ambition caused him to number God's people. Moses' ambition caused him to slay the Egyptian. Aaron and Miriam's ambition caused them to challenge Moses' authority. There are many more examples of selfishness in the scriptures, and there are many in the church today. But our Lord humbled Himself, laid down His life, served us, and suffered the most shameful and painful death imaginable out of obedience to the Father. We, then, must reject the temptation to glorify ourselves, and we must sit in the lowest place, not the highest. That is what our Lord did, and now He is seated next to the Father. Let Him be your Example and follow Him today.

Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up. (James 4:10)

Let's Pray - Precious Lord, teach us that humility is the highest attribute, and we must lay our lives down in order to be lifted up. Save us from the craven sin of selfish ambition. In Jesus alone, Amen.