So in my quiet time today, I was reading about the balance of ambition versus being humble. (Mark 10: 35-37) Last night I was having a conversation with Kaili about college and future plans and the ability to succeed. she was so full of life and ambition to excel! it was intoxicating and I found myself longing to be and do better. After reading these thoughts from scripture, I was left with wondering whether or not I have the balance of ambition and yet humble. In mark 10:31 Jesus reiterated the importance of humility. He told the "many who are first will be ;last and the last will be first." Again, there is nothing wrong with ambition. In fact who wouldn't want to sit next to Jesus in the Kingdom of Heaven. The disciple's error came when they desired to OBTAIN the positon more than they desired to be WORTHY of such a place. Jesus made it clear over and overa again that the kingdom positions are reserved for the most humble of Christians. So, I came to the conclusions that it is not wrong to have ambitious plans for yourself. It is not inherently wrong to aspire to have influence or desire to have success. But it is wrong to have selfish motives and it is especially wrong not to be humble. Ambition without humility is egotism! Christ Himself was the true example of humility. Thankfully, there is hope. If you read further into the writings of John, he eventually learned to be humble. He never painted himself out to be a hero, but he uses every oportunity to give Jesus the honor. I would love to learn that balance between ambiton and humility. Some days are better than others...
Lord help me to be humble yet passionate, mellow yet bold, calm yet courageous! Kaili, I pray the same for you baby!