How can we ensure our ambitions align with Jesus' teachings in Mark 9:33? “Then they came to Capernaum. And when He was in the house, Jesus asked them, ‘What were you discussing on the way?’ But they were silent, for on the way they had been arguing about which of them was the greatest. Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, ‘If anyone wants to be first, he must be the last of all and the servant of all.’” What Jesus Exposes About Ambition • True greatness is measured by service, not position. • Ambition aimed at self-exaltation will always lead to rivalry and silence before the Lord (v. 34). • Jesus places “first” and “last” in deliberate tension to redirect desire toward humble usefulness. Guardrails for God-Honoring Ambition 1. Submit motives to Scripture – Psalm 139:23-24—invite God to search the heart. – Hebrews 4:12—allow the Word to judge thoughts and intentions. 2. Pursue excellence for God’s glory, not personal fame – Colossians 3:23—“Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord…” – 1 Corinthians 10:31—do all to the glory of God. 3. Seek the good of others first – Philippians 2:3-4—count others more significant than yourself. – John 13:14-17—wash feet before seeking titles. 4. Embrace obscurity when needed – Matthew 6:1-4—serve in secret; let the Father reward. – James 4:10—humble yourself, and God will exalt you in due time. 5. Assess fruit, not hype – Galatians 5:22-23—look for love, joy, peace, patience… – 2 Corinthians 13:5—examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith. Practical Daily Checklist • Did I start today asking, “How can I serve?” instead of, “How can I stand out?” • Have I celebrated someone else’s success without envy? • Have I willingly taken a lowly task no one notices? • Do I accept correction without defensiveness? • Would my plans still thrill me if no one knew I was behind them? When Ambition Goes Off Course • Warning signs: prayerlessness, comparing, resentment, cutting corners, overstretching family or church commitments. • Course correction: confess (1 John 1:9), realign goals with kingdom priority (Matthew 6:33), ask a mature believer for accountability (Proverbs 27:17). Encouragement to Press On Ambition surrendered to Christ is not extinguished; it is purified, redirected, and empowered. As we aim to be “the last of all and the servant of all,” we mirror the One who “did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). |
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