I would like for us to talk a little bit about the word “ambition” – this (evening/morning.)
For the record. Ambition is neither good nor bad. Ambition is, well, just ambition.
The word itself has a fascinating history. It comes from the Middle French or from the Latin and it means “a going around.”
“Ambition” meant to “go around,” especially to “solicit votes,” hence, “a striving for favor,” “courting,” “flattery;” “a desire for honor” or “a thirst for popularity.” It is kind of interesting, isn’t it? Especially in these political times…where candidates still go around courting your vote!
Again, there is nothing intrinsically wrong with ambition. Some of us are ambitious, while others of us may lack a great deal of ambition. No finger pointing – please!
The interesting question about “ambition” is “why.” “Why” are you ambitious? “Why” are you not ambitious? “What” do you expect to get out of it? Are you ambitious for “yourself”…or are you “ambitious for others?”
Why for example does a candidate (any candidate) seek “the power” a political position or office holds?
Why does an actor seek “fame and fortune” in Hollywood or on Broadway?
Why does the business person seek “wealth” or have the desire to climb up the corporate ladder?
“Why” is never a bad question to ask!
I think – most people use their “ambition” to better themselves and their surroundings.
Do individuals “seek fame” and “wealth” and “power” for themselves alone? Or do they perhaps want to use their “ambitions” for the greater good?
Why would anyone want to teach school in this day and age? Why become a nurse? Why enter into law enforcement? Why go into the military?
The question “why” is sometimes a very important question that needs to be asked!
What kind of things do you aspire to, and why?
This is a great gospel story coming from Mark’s gospel. Again, as we have talked about it before, Mark does not always make disciple fare very well. They do not shine! They always seem to come up wanting and short.
In this case – two of them; James and John are seen as being “spiritually blind,” “stupid,” “arrogant,” “self serving-self-centered,” “foolish” and even “self-seeking.” They could care less about the other “ten disciples.” This is all about them!
They are seeking: glory, power, status and authority for themselves, alone.
And they almost come across like “foolishly optimistic” as in, “it’s worth a shot” – “I mean – the worst he can say is, “No way,” right? They are “gutsy” that’s for sure!
I think we all know people – where everything has to be about “them.” It is all about “them.” And if the subject isn’t about “them” – they will see to it – that the conversation quickly moves in their direction. Again, no finger pointing, please!
You may remember – thinking back to a previous incident – when some of the disciples were arguing among themselves about “who was the greatest.”
No one knows this of course, but perhaps it was “these two” that started that whole previous conversation.
I would not put it passed them.
Others of us – still to this very day – ask the same kind of questions that they asked. “Lord, we want you to do for “us” – whatever we ask!” It apparently – is an “age old question.”
And then, of course, we ask God for “our own way”…what “we” want… you know like healing for ourselves, a better job for ourselves, a good spouse, a big or better house, a miracle of some sort, a special blessing – or a way “out of jam” that “we” have gotten ourselves into. It is all about us!
There is no “Thy will be done” but there is “most definitely” a “my will be done.”
We are in control – we are in charge, from “our mouths to God’s ear.” And he better respond, as “we” desire.
They were ambitious alright. One more time, ambition is not necessarily a bad thing…nor is it a good thing. It is just well … ambition.
But they were ambitious for themselves. They were “out” for themselves. I am sure you probably know a couple of people like that, still running around, today! One more time, no finger pointing.
My question is – but where are “they” who are “ambitious” for the Lord?