The Truth Of Ambition

The world tells us that we have to be ambitious, to strive for success. As true as this may be, there is another truth about success that we would be wise not to forget.

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Two son's of Z, Jimmy and Johnny, worked hard and followed their teacher's instruction. As far as they were concerned, their teacher owed them something.

Knowing they expected something for their efforts -- ambitious to make their ascent in the group -- the teacher asked them, “Okay, you two, what do you want from me?”

Jimmy and Johnny stood confidently, “We want to share your glory. When your greatness is revealed, we want to sit at your left and right.”

The teacher knew his business better than they did, though. “Are you sure that's what you want? Are you sure you can hang with me and handle what comes with it?”

Without hesitation, they replied, “Absolutely.”

Now, the other ten in the group didn't like Jimmy and Johnny's attitude and started making noise, so the teacher called them over. “You know that those who rule make sure those under them know who's boss and make sure they feel it, too.

“But it's not going to be that way with all of you,” he had their attention, “and if any of you wish to be great, you're going to find yourselves serving. Anyone of you wishes to be first, you're going to find yourself last and the slave of all.

“For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.” [Mark 10:45, the rest adapted from Mark 10:35-44]

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This may be part of what speaks of Christ being handed over to crucifixion, but make no mistake about it, within these words and Christ's example, unless we recognize our responsibility to serve one another, we will find ourselves as part of the greater problem that plagues this world at every turn.

In these words, there's a reality we can't escape. The more we have, the more that's required of us. The more we gain, the more we have to give.

And it goes much further than just finding ways that will fit into our lives. Rather, we have to accept that we will constantly be pulled out of our comfort zone and out of certainty. That no matter what we have, it can vanish just as quickly. No matter how comfortable things appear, there will always be uncertainty.

The only assurance lies with the fact that our lives will always challenge us. To meet the challenges as Christ met His, is not heroic. It's expected.

Something else, I like about this passage. Not once did Christ point the finger and tell them how wrong they were. Instead, he accepted their humanity.

What he did was not just about him, the Son of Man. Rather, it was also about serving His Father as the Son of God. So too, our lives are not just about us, but God.

Maybe we could take the hint and start reflecting more, instead of praising ourselves and pointing the finger. Let's be prepared.