ACCEPTABLE AMBITION or PLEASING GOD ROSS SMITH
ALL REFERENCES FROM THE AMPLIFIED VERSION UNLESS NOTED
Probably, for as long as I can recall, the challenge to be ambitious has been ringing down the halls of time in strident terms and with extravagant emphasis, whether it be in sport, commerce, academia, politics, military, and blatantly distorted in spiritual terms to mean “numbers” or posteriors on pews.
Then I ponder why men such as President Trump would expend their lives to reach what they see as the apex of prestige and achievement, only to be faced day in and day out with scrutiny of every aspect of his life, and frequently by unscrupulous media and voyeur commentators who seek to terminate his office.
When I was small, I was counselled that when in situations where I needed direction to ask myself, “What would Jesus do?” But this left the answer open to diverse opportunities and interpretations often fuelled by selfish wants or wishes. I now see that there is a far better question that is much more accurate and will provide a clearer result, that question is, “DOES IT PLEASE GOD?” We have both our conscience and God’s Word to determine the correct route.
The question “what would Jesus do” is in most instances a rhetorical question. The person posing the question is speculating as generally, they will have no idea what Jesus would do in that circumstance. It comes into the same category as the checkout chick asking, “how are you”, she doesn’t want to know it is just “SMALL TALK”.
When I was a child, I knew without question what pleased or displeased my father, I did not have to stop and pose a question except, if I displeased him, how dire will be the consequences? Children like to please their parents.
Matthew 18:3 And said, Truly I say to you, unless you repent (change, turnabout) and become like little children [trusting, lowly, loving, forgiving], you can never enter the kingdom of heaven [at all].
As Christians, we need to determine if it is proper for us to be ambitious, to what degree and for what result. It has been suggested we should be “AMBITIOUS TO NOT BE AMBITIOUS”, but that then erodes the injunctions of scripture to be wholehearted in whatever our hand finds to do. (Ecclesiastes 9:10)
Romans 8:13 says, in paraphrase, “if our ambition is self-centred, we will die”.
Even today as we look across the church, we see men who are promoting themselves as paragons of leadership, proud of the fact that they have large congregations, several branch churches, multimillion-dollar turnover, and are strutting the stage of the church world instead of kneeling in the pulpit. There is, however, one overriding and acceptable ambition identified by the apostle Paul.
2 Corinthians 5:9 Therefore, whether we are at home [on earth away from Him] or away from home [and with Him], we are constantly ambitious and strive earnestly TO BE PLEASING TO HIM.
The Apostle Paul puts things into perspective in 2 Corinthians 5:9 in several ways, let me summarise.
- Alive or dead = Everything else is superfluous
- Ambition = Concentrated effort, “strive earnestly”
- Motivation = Supreme aim, (V10) “examine your motives” (See 2 Corinthians 5:10)
The synonyms for “AMBITION” are numerous, such as:
“Aspiration, intention, goal, aim, objective, object, purpose, intent, plan, scheme, mission, calling, vocation, desire, wish, design, target, end, dream, hope.”
The KJV Bible uses the term “Wherefore we labour,” (or whatever our aim, goal, purpose) but when we begin to recognise and appreciate the “INCONCEIVABLE GREATNESS” of our Lord then everything becomes a pleasure, a compelling AMBITION, an endless pursuit with the motivation “TO BE PLEASING TO HIM.”
But the word “Labour” used in this context is not so much toil but the original means “To be fond of honour, from a love of honour to strive to bring something to pass.” The word means both to be diligent to attain the honour and expresses the INTENT of being honoured by pleasing God. It is in fact,
“MOTION IS ENERGISED BY MOTIVE”
It is not a random effort, it does not happen overnight, it requires what we call “ESP,” ENDURANCE STEADFASTNESS, and PATIENCE. Scripture abounds in examples of how this is achieved, and we all know the scenarios well, all of which demand the expenditure of “ESP.”
- A race
- A battle
- A crop
- An illness
- An isolation — just to name a few, and you can associate the relevant scriptures to your notes.
AMBITION will overcome ADVERSITY. Proverbs 24:10 points up that if we “faint in adversity we have little strength.” Adversity is inevitable, it is intended to evaluate our strengths. not to sap our strength but to increase it. AMBITION will be reinforced by RESOLVE and will be further fortified as we accept Father’s control of our circumstances.
But Paul’s perception was that whether we are dead or alive, the ambition is singular, life is just a mere trifle so that nothing, particularly in this life and world is of any comparable consequence. When we consider the duration of our life, “a wisp of vapour, a puff of smoke, a mist,” (James 4:14) then the urgency of attaining what is recommended becomes a stark reality.
There is a confronting aspect of Paul’s assertions. By nature, we are subject to the opinions and criticisms of other people, but all that is off the table when our “AMBITION” is to please the Lord.
Galatians 1:10 Now am I trying to win the favour of men, or of God? Do I seek to please men? If I were still seeking popularity with men, I should not be a bondservant of Christ (the Messiah).
1 Thessalonians 2:4 But just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the glad tidings (the Gospel), so we speak not to please men but to PLEASE GOD, Who tests our hearts (our attitude or motives) [expecting them to be approved]. (Testing our “hearts” is the same as testing our attitude or motives)
All of this is great in theory, but without the implementation of the principle, there is no EXPERIENCE and consequently no UNDERSTANDING. The cost of this “AMBITION” will be telling, for to please God is the antithesis of what the world, and much of the church, expect of us.
1 John 3:22 And we receive from Him whatever we ask, BECAUSE (This is the key to successfully asking … comments mine) we [watchfully] obey His orders [observe His suggestions and injunctions, follow His plan for us] and [habitually] practice (Until it becomes a habit … comments mine) WHAT IS PLEASING TO HIM. (See also Colossians 1:10)
Colossians 1:10 That you may walk (live and conduct yourselves) in a manner worthy of the Lord, FULLY pleasing to Him and desiring to please Him in all things, bearing fruit in every good work and steadily GROWING AND INCREASING in and by the knowledge of God [with fuller, deeper, and clearer insight, acquaintance, and recognition]. (In other words, “ACKNOWLEDGEMENT” (A study on this will follow)
It is pointless in trying to justify our position or vindicate our beliefs because the world’s concepts of “AMBITION” are distorted to be “all things to all men” whether it be a common creed, gender fluidity, unity through diversity, common bathrooms for the scientifically confused, blending of denomination, bending to coercion, the world will give no quarter to “those who would live Godly.” (2 Timothy 3:12)
Jude 1:10 But these men revile (scoff and sneer at) anything they do not happen to be acquainted with and do not understand; (This comes into the classification of “DELUSION” and Ephesians 4:22 says, in paraphrase, “Delusion if the cause of corrupt lusts and desires) and whatever they do understand physically [that which they know by mere instinct], like irrational beasts–by these they corrupt themselves and are destroyed (perish).
To make PROGRESS we must go through the PROCESS, this is a well-known and assiduously avoided route for the majority. It requires consistent and vigorous application DEVELOPED BY HABIT, it involves a truckload of humility, it requires stamina born only of the spirit of God, it requires the excision and deletion of our preferences, the elevation of our deference’s, partition between peoples, in fact, if we are to be “PLEASING TO GOD” we will live a totally different lifestyle to the majority of society and be regarded as “ODD” to say the least. But it is worth every moment.
Proverbs 16:7 WHEN (Note the condition that applies here … comments mine) a man’s ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.
Ephesians 1: 5 defines what “PLEASES GOD”. In verse four “He chose us,” with the intent that we would be “holy, consecrated, set apart, blameless, above reproach” so that we could be “adopted as His own children,” and that “PLEASES GOD.” It also satisfies His “purpose and intent.”
In the first eleven verses of Ephesians 1, the word purpose or its derivative is used eight times. Verse 5 says “He planned in love”, and if we revert to the OT we find in Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, (The “plans He made in love” … comments mine) says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome.”
But it must come through our application of the truth we have been afforded in God’s Word, unpalatable as it seems to the carnal mind, but infinitely rewarding to the man of faith or obedience, as we reflect on what John said
1 John 3:22, “And we receive from Him whatever we ask BECAUSE we [watchfully] (OR “CONSCIOUSLY”) obey His orders”. It is an experience seldom promoted because the lessons are couched in terms that can only be understood by spiritual means, as they conflict with the carnal mind and appear to be simply preposterous.
Ephesians 5:10 And TRY to learn [in your experience] (This process is generally achieved by “REPETITION” and is saying basically, “apply yourself or “TRY” to the subject matter” or the “LESSON” … comments mine) what is PLEASING TO THE LORD [let your lives be constant proofs of what is most acceptable to Him].
THE TESTS ARE REPETITIVE
THE RESULTS ARE CONSTANT
So, how do we proceed in “PLEASING GOD”, what do I have to do to begin to implement such an unusual and obscure path, and does scripture provide me with incontrovertible directions so that I am left in no doubt as to where I should apply my efforts, or “try to learn” to “PLEASE GOD?” The Apostle Paul answered the question quite succinctly when he penned his instructions to the Roman church, and as we read it, the essence needs to settle deep in our spirits where it cannot be eradicated.
The first requirement to pleasing God is found in Hebrews 11:6 “BUT WITHOUT FAITH, it is impossible TO PLEASE and be satisfactory to Him.” Whenever I see the word “FAITH” I understand that in practical terms it means “OBEDIENCE.” So, in paraphrase, “without OBEDIENCE we cannot please God.” (Recall 1 John 3:22 P5)
In numerous instances in the Word where “OBEDIENCE” is used it is accompanied by other terms such as “PROMPT OBEDIENCE” and “GRATEFUL RECOGNITION.”
1 Corinthians 8:3 But if one loves God truly [with affectionate reverence, PROMPT OBEDIENCE, and GRATEFUL RECOGNITION of His blessing], he is known by God [recognized as worthy of His intimacy and love, and he is owned by Him]. (See Colossians 1:10; Philemon 1:6; 1 John 5:2 and 4)
If it is not “PROMPT” obedience, then it may just be “acquiescence.”
Whilst much emphasis is placed upon “OBEDIENCE” we do not attribute the same degree of importance to the word “RECOGNITION.” Colossians 1:10 brings the subject acutely into focus in how we are PLEASING TO GOD but concludes with a comprehensive blueprint with the word “RECOGNITION.”
As RECOGNITION” is an extensive subject it is not convenient to deal with it here, but I suggest it is valuable for your personal study.
Romans 12:1-2 I APPEAL TO YOU, therefore, brethren, and BEG OF YOU in view of [all] the mercies of God, to make a decisive dedication of your bodies [presenting all your members and faculties] as a living sacrifice, holy (devoted, consecrated) and WELL PLEASING TO GOD, which is your reasonable (rational, intelligent) service and spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by ITS NEW IDEALS AND ITS NEW ATTITUDE], SO THAT you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you].
The Apostle here has demanded and dictated that we must forgo all selfish pursuit, calling it “a LIVING SACRIFICE”. To many, it would seem that a “dead sacrifice” would be a much easier choice than being hauled onto the altar day after day to rid us of those superficial pleasures that flit through our minds or contaminate our day, where we are continually in conflict between what we know to do and what we want to do.
Romans 14:17 -18 [AFTER ALL] the kingdom of God is not a matter of [getting the] food and drink [one likes], (otherwise known as “Self-Syndrome” and Romans 8:6 calls it “sense and reason without the Holy Spirit”) but instead IT IS RIGHTEOUSNESS (that state which makes a person acceptable to God) (In other words, as below, PLEASING TO GOD .. comments mine) and [heart] peace (Romans 8:6 uses the term “soul peace”, and so we have peace in our “attitude,” or heart, and in our “mind” or soul) and joy in the Holy Spirit. He who serves Christ in this way is acceptable and PLEASING TO GOD and is approved by men.
The “AFTER ALL” that introduces the above scripture effectively disenfranchises all those things that could give rise to being seen as our preferences, superficial customs, and carnal appetites, while they may be legitimate, they are not expedient, and if not expedient, then they are probably not “PLEASING TO GOD”.
Many moons ago I suggested we should read Romans 8:1 – 17 on a daily basis, so again I would repeat this suggestion. Verse 17 concludes “we must share His suffering if we are to share His glory”.
OUR AMBITION DETERMINES THE OUTCOME
Romans 8:8 So then those who are living the life of the flesh [catering to the appetites and impulses of their carnal nature] cannot please or satisfy God or be acceptable to Him.
1 Peter 2:5 [Come] and, like living stones, be yourselves built [into] a SPIRITUAL HOUSE, for a holy (dedicated, consecrated) priesthood, to offer up [those] SPIRITUAL SACRIFICES [that are] ACCEPTABLE AND PLEASING TO GOD through Jesus Christ.
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Ross Smith 