Friday November 24
Bible Reading: Phil. 2: 1 - 4
Topic: Selfish Ambition
To be ambitious is to show
strong determination to succeed which is fine.
However, to be selfish is
to enthrone personal interest above the collective good.
Selfishness hinders
growth, breeds jealousy, competition and hatred.
Selfish ambition can
destroy. It rejoices in the failure of others, and feels bitterness when they
succeed.
Some live by the shark
principle: attack everything and everyone in your path as far as it is for your
benefit.
It is good to remember
that you can succeed without castigation or pulling down others.
Verse 4 says: let each
look out not only for his own interest, but for the interest of others.
To this end, Paul
admonished us in 1 Cor. 8: 13, to forgo our right to eat meat, if doing so
would make a brother stumble.
Today, some brethren will
not look out for others, acting only in their own interest.
Daily, we sacrifice Jesus
(not just our brethren) and rubbish the Cross for our own selfish aims.
But the evil of such a
lifestyle is that it breeds emptiness in the soul and consequent judgment.
Beloved, this is a call to
humility and service as the antidote to selfish ambition.
Prayer
Lord, help me to achieve
the ultimate ambition which is to know You and the power of Your resurrection
and the fellowship of Your suffering. Amen
Memory Verse Phil. 2: 4
" let each look out
not only for his own interest, but for the interest of others."
Source:
The Daily Fountain 2017
(The Daily Devotional Guide of the Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion)
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