|
Ambition
THEY SOUGHT A REPUTATION
Then they said, “Come, let us build ourselves, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves and not be scattered over the face of the whole earth. -- Genesis 11:4
Ambition is praiseworthy if the purposes and motives of men are consistent with God’s will. However, the building of Babel was an effort of proud men to win a presumptive reputation.
Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain. -- Psalms 127:1
THE TOOLS OF AMBITION
Although Gideon refused to become king, saying that such an appellation belonged only to the Lord, his unscrupulous son Abimelech used slick propaganda techniques and ruthlessly killed all of his brothers except Jotham.
Ask all the citizens of Shechem, “Which is better for you: to have all seventy of Jerub-Baal’s sons rule over you, or just one man? Remember, I am your flesh and blood.” -- Judges 9:2
He went to his father’s home in Ophrah and on one stone murdered his seventy brothers ... -- Judges 9:5
Then all the citizens of Shechem and Beth Millo gathered beside the great tree at the pillar in Shechem to crown Abimelech king. -- Judges 9:6
|
