Monday: Forgiveness and Consequences: Navigating Sin's Aftermath

Week 10:  Reflect on Ambition and Loyalty

BIG IDEA for the week:  Just because you are getting ahead does not mean that you’re not spiritually dead.  

2 Samuel 5:6-10   6 And the king and his men went to Jerusalem against the Jebusites, the inhabitants of the land, who said to David, “You will not come in here, but the blind and the lame will ward you off”—thinking, “David cannot come in here.”  

7 Nevertheless, David took the stronghold of Zion, that is, the city of David.  

8 And David said on that day, “Whoever would strike the Jebusites, let him get up the water shaft to attack the lame and the blind, who are hated by David’s soul.” Therefore it is said, “The blind and the lame shall not come into the house.”  

9 And David lived in the stronghold and called it the city of David. And David built the city all around from the Millo inward.  

10 And David became greater and greater, for the Lord, the God of hosts, was with him.  

1 Chronicles 11:4-9    4 And David and all Israel went to Jerusalem, that is, Jebus, where the Jebusites were, the inhabitants of the land.  

5 The inhabitants of Jebus said to David, “You will not come in here.” Nevertheless, David took the stronghold of Zion, that is, the city of David.  

6 David said, “Whoever strikes the Jebusites first shall be chief and commander.” And Joab the son of Zeruiah went up first, so he became chief.  

7 And David lived in the stronghold; therefore it was called the city of David.  

8 And he built the city all around from the Millo in complete circuit, and Joab repaired the rest of the city.  

9 And David became greater and greater, for the Lord of hosts was with him.  

Theme of the day: Just because you are getting ahead doesn’t mean that you’re not spiritually dead.

Reflection: Joab’s early days partnering with David serve as a testament to how ambition can propel individuals towards great heights. As we read about his courageous acts in capturing Jerusalem, we see a man driven by determination and valor. Yet, beneath this surface of success, there exists an inner conflict—one that highlights the dangers of unchecked ambition. Ambition in itself isn't inherently negative, but when it overrides spiritual and moral principles, it becomes dangerous.

As Joab’s influence in the kingdom grew, so did his distance from God’s guiding principles and the guidance of David, his boss and king. His accomplishments were significant, but they also planted seeds of pride and self-reliance. This pattern is a cautionary tale for us today. Ambition should be accompanied by humility and grounded in faith. When ambition blinds us to our spiritual needs, it can lead us to sacrifice integrity for the sake of progress.

In our personal pursuits, it's essential to evaluate the motivations behind our actions. Are we striving to glorify God through our achievements, or are we merely seeking personal advancement? By keeping our ambitions aligned with God’s purposes, we ensure that our successes don’t come at the expense of our spiritual health.

Prayer: God, help me to pursue your heart above my own. Help me to align my ambitions with your purpose and not my own. And if my ambition starts to creep away, help me to discern how to get back on Your track.  

Connect Prayer:  We pray for day one of our students at THE PROJECT (student mission trip), as they grow in their faith and prepare to start a VBS at a church plant in NewTown, St. Charles.