Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Philippians 2:3
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:
The salvation story of Jesus Christ reaches around the world. So that the readers of our Daily Devotion may see the power of the Savior on a global scale, we have asked the volunteers of our International Ministry Centers to write our Friday devotions. We pray that the Spirit may touch your day through their words.
In Christ, I remain, His servant and yours,
Kenneth R. Klaus
Speaker of The Lutheran Hour
Ambition is a strong desire. A person filled with ambition usually works very hard toward his or her goals. Ambition can be developed and employed for the glory of God. But when it becomes the instrument of human pride -- a drive merely to exert power and influence over other people -- it is the opposite of what God intended it to be.
Human ambition can easily run counter to a life of dedicated service to God. Rather than be used for His glory, ambition can become a reckless vehicle whereby the individual exalts in pride and haughtiness. In the end, what may have started as a wonderful and enthusiastic motivator can, by our corrupt and sin-bound nature, lead to something destructive and cruel, especially when it hurts others along the way.
It was for wanton ambition -- and all the other sins known to man -- that God sent His Son into this sin-filled world. Jesus came to reconcile us with the Father through His perfect sacrifice, that all who believe in Him might not be lost or condemned, but for His sake have forgiveness of sins and eternal life. Our hope is in Christ, who took on human flesh to carry our sins to the cross, to suffer and die, and to bring forgiveness and eternal life into the world.
For those who live by faith in Jesus, life has an enduring joy and peace found only in God. It removes the tyranny of human ambition and replaces it with a genuine desire to love and serve God above all things.
THE PRAYER: Dear Lord Jesus, You loved us so much You humbled Yourself even unto the cross and died a painful death for our sake. Help us to be humble and serve You and others You've placed in our path. Amen.
Biography of Author: This devotion is based on a text submitted by John Donkoh, director of Lutheran Hour Ministries - Ghana. In that West African country of nearly 24 million people, LHM - Ghana uses Equipping the Saints (ETS), conducts performing arts dramas, engages in children's ministries, and reaches out to prisoners by supplying them food, Christian literature, and clothing.
To learn more about our International Ministries, click here or visit www.lhmint.org.
Today's Bible Readings: Psalms 24-26 John 10:22-42
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