0204. His Unholy Ambitions

His Unholy Ambitions

"And Absalom said moreover, Oh that I were made judge In the land" (2Sa_15:4).

Absalom had what some might call a high ambition–he wanted to be king. He was not satisfied with chariots and horsemen; with beauty and praise: he wanted to have power and kingship.

This might at first seem praiseworthy–but it was wholly selfish and condemnatory. Absalom sought the kingdom only to serve his own selfish vanity and to further his own personal ambitions.

Poor Absalom, he was so greatly praised that he soon began to imagine himself the very one before whom all should bow, and to whom all should do obeisance.

Surely pride cometh before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall.

Here is a lesson that we all need to consider fully. God says, "Thou shalt not covet," but Absalom coveted his own father’s throne. God says "Seekest thou great things for thyself, seek them not," but Absalom sought his own and not another’s wealth.

Illustration: How different is the story of John Foster. John Foster was foreman of the decorators in a large pottery factory when a terrible temptation came to him.

"One day while engaged in his work, the president, who always prepared his recipes in a little private office, was suddenly called down-stairs, and thoughtlessly left his recipe book lying open on the desk. Foreman Foster had to go into the room for some colors, when–judge his surprise–right before him, lying open on the table, was the president’s book in which were all his valuable recipes. Then came the temptation of John Foster. Here was a small book containing a few secrets that were of immense value. He could quickly copy them and not be found out. There were plenty of men that would gladly avail themselves of an opportunity of going into business with him, if he could produce a china body equal to that made at this celebrated pottery,–for it was acknowledged to be the best in the country. What a struggle went on within him as he stood there looking at the open book! He could be rich, he could travel,–a thing he yearned to do; he could educate his children and care for his old mother; yes, and he would not have to work ten hours a day in the hot shop. What an easy way to make a fortune! He became greatly agitated for a terrific battle was raging within. Finally he grasped the book, closed it and held it up in the air, and exclaimed, ‘Victory through Christ.’ He then sought the president and handed him the little book which he thought he had locked up in his desk. John Foster is still a humble decorator and an overcomer through Christ."

What we need is the courage of John Foster, and not the weakness of Absalom who was swept from his moorings by an unholy ambition.

Autor: R.E. NEIGHBOUR