What's Your Ambition

2 Samuel 15:4

“Then Absalom would add, ‘If only I were appointed judge in the land! Then everyone who has complaint or case could come to me and I would see that he gets justice.”

It’s the popular noontime show question for kids. The common rapport-springboard for teachers too. I remember having varied answers myself. My generation’s usual slumbook entry was to be a doctor, an astronaut, or an engineer. 'What's Your Ambition?' I think today’s kids would post they’d want to be on tv, or go abroad, even sing to us McCoy’s billionaire song. As we grow up, many would be more realistic and shift gears based on economic strata, the workplace demand, and non-quota courses, haha. A handful, more determined others, will disregard boundaries, even willing to break rules to reach those dreams. Is that what we really want our kids to embrace? To have personal dreams? To see wealth and fame at the top ladder? To be ahead of everyone else?

Absalom was everyone’s favorite. Highly praised for his appearance, royalty in his blood, flattery on his tongue. This dream guy has big dreams. Bigger than him. He wants to be on top, now. Like a prodigal son who couldn’t wait for his father’s death, he wants his inheritance now. And like Satan, he was not content in just being God’s subject, he wanted the glory for himself. And so he planned to dethrone his father, the one who deserves gratitude for calling him back from banishment. He disregarded all respect and relationship. His eye was on his ambition. He stirred up discontent and used it to exalt himself. He became the exact opposite of the only verse I know about godly ambition: to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, to work with your hands. He was there at the city gates, bragging about how better it would be if he’s the one sitting as judge, cutting off the line that connects the king to his people’s concerns, and doing nothing as prince of the land. And yes, he got what he wished for. As all determined people could achieve. Now let’s see if he’s really up to his promise of attending to e-v-e-r-y complaint. Let’s see if there’s joy climbing up the ladder at the expense of his father weeping and walking barefoot. Let’s see if there’s blessing without God on his side.

What’s your ambition? Is it God-given, parent-ordered, or self-directed? Of course God can use our parents to guide us and our passions to stir us. Yes it was His design and desire that we push for excellence, to overcome obstacles, to be the best we can be. But not at the expense of others. Not without process. Not for our own glory. Our ambition in life should always come from Him, through Him, and for Him. I pray and hope we parents would teach our kids the best response to this ambition question: to be who God wants me to be, when He wants, where He wants. To see God at the top ladder, the Head of everyone. Say it with me: my goal is His glory! Now that's worth aiming for :>

Good and Godly - - but not God’s?

2 Samuel 7:2-3

“He said to Nathan the prophet, ‘Here I am, living in a palace of cedar, while the ark of God remains in a tent.’ Nathan replied to the king, ‘Whatever you have in mind, go ahead and do it, for the Lord is with you.’

Who wouldn’t want to be rich? It’s a good thought. Although my husband and I weren’t mega lotto players nor supporters, we usually take time dreaming how to spend ‘our’ millions, hahaha! Our allocations weren’t bad either. We’d give beyond our usual ten percent tithes, we’ll give our parents their well-deserved, comfortable retirement years, we’ll secure our kids education, and we’ll save the rest for future needs. But I’m sure the rest of the country has better reasons like medication for their very sick loved ones, or as seed money for a small business to ensure three meals a day for their family, or to finally send their kids to school. Side by side with their needs, my wants will most likely be taken aside. Rich thoughts may be good thoughts, but maybe not for me…. yet, hahaha :>

After David was settled in his palace and the Lord has given him rest from all his enemies around him, a brilliant idea came across his mind: ‘I’ll make a house for God!’ Side by side with his place of cedar, with just a tent as dwelling, God’s ark looks... poor. ‘So unfitting for the King of kings’ could be his thought balloon. He backed up his good intentions with some godly advice and called in the prophet Nathan. Hearing the king’s noble heart and seeing no violation of any biblical principles, this man of God couldn’t agree more.  It was a good plan, but not God’s plan.. yet. God has purposed David to fight His people’s wars, extend their borders, and bring peace in the land. It was a good thought, but the task was not for him. His bloody hands wouldn’t fit the holy task. It’s just a different shoe. And although it was supported with godly counsel, it was never God-commanded. He never asked for it. It is not for man to initiate and attempt good things for God. All orders come from Him. Not even a prophet can take God’s place for the final go. David and Nathan weren’t reprimanded for their project proposal. For who but God could place it in their hearts?  No idea is man-original, you know. Still, it was shelved meantime, but with a promise - - that his own son will carry it through. He who thought he can build a better house for His Name was promised an established throne for his house forever. Should we settle for better when His  idea is best?

When God created us in His own image and likeness, it is with the intention of a relationship. Physically, so we could join in His work; socially, so we could grow in His character; emotionally, so we could feel His love; and mentally, so we could understand His ways. I believe the spiritual side is inclusive in each. Everything we are and do is for God. He has gifted us with His wisdom so we could best appreciate when He favors us to see His higher-than-the-earth thoughts unfold. He may not grant our rich thoughts, but maybe His is richer. Just don’t mistake good for go, nor godly as God’s. Do wait for His final say :>