Danger is Defining Ambition

Scripture: For know and recognize this: Every sexually immoral or impure or greedy person, who is an idolater, does not have an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Ephesians 5:5

Observation: In the teaching about impurity of thoughts and actions, Paul is especially reminding the church that the acts associated with the sin of coveting - sexual impurity, immorality, greed - should not exist at all among believers. However, he has also pointed out that these things are common in society among non-believers. Non-believers are ignorant, with hard hearts, and demonstrate such by pursuing all kinds of impure sins.

We know that we all sin, even believers, and while sin should not exist among believers, believers do and will sin. Yet there is one key difference ... idolatry. Those who sin, but also are idolaters, are the ones who clearly do not have an inheritance in Christ.

Application: We talked extensively at church yesterday about sexual impurity and the current conversations in society. It is this point on idolatry that clearly takes that issue to a critical level, which is the fact people have turned sexuality into their idol. They declare sexuality as their principle identity trait. They define their lives by their opinions about sex, and/or about issues that revolve around gender and sexual identity.

I am still confused from time to time about what truly comprises an "idol". Sometimes I believe it must be an image. Most often I believe it is any concept someone places as the primary motivation in their lives, above the Lord. When I think about it deeply, but also trying to summarize most succinctly, I believe I would summarize my understanding as this ... an idol is any belief by which I would define myself or my life's ambition.

I can have a lot of ambitions. Some have good qualities and character, such as I would like to be a better husband, and I would like to become a man deemed wise enough to mentor younger men. In my heart, both of these have root in the Lord. Some ambitions are certainly more worldly, such as I would like to shoot an even-par round of golf someday (or at least shoot 75 or lower). Such ambitions are completely worldly, but they are not something I use to define myself outside of a specific conversation about my best golf round ever. These ambitions are born from joy of activities in this world.

In all things, however, I know my true ambition is to be a better man for Christ, and to do what he would have me do. And yes, I fail at that daily. My heart should be softer toward others, and I should be kinder and more loving. I lust, and I enjoy money and the things it brings. I sometimes have pride in my work. But my identity is with the Lord. I am a believer in, and disciple of, Jesus Christ. I am an adopted child of the Lord God almighty, the God of Abraham, creator of heaven and earth.

At the core of ... me ... my ambition is to be more like Christ, and to serve the Lord. It is the Lord alone I honor and worship.

Prayer: Lord, I reject all other concepts of possible idols in my life, elements I may pursue due to a misplaced definition of my personal ambition. You are central in my life. Yes, I know I fail to keep you central in every moment, action, and thought, for I am a weak man of flesh. Please forgive me for wandering ambition, for acts of pride and covetousness, and for all my sins. You alone are my Lord and my God. Amen.