“Eschew Heartless Ambition!”

“Eschew Heartless Ambition!”(Mt.20:20-28).
Brutus told the Roman crowd that they killed Caesar because Caesar was too ambitious. In response, in a funeral oration, Anthony used the phrase “ambition should be made of sterner stuff.”
According to Anthony Caesar showed kindness by bringing wealth to Rome and crying for the poor. Caesar did not portray a heartless character- which is a requirement of true ambition.
“Ambition is a strong desire for success, achievement, or distinction.” Perhaps there is nothing wrong with having a strong desire for success. But being ruthless and heartless, which is the sterner stuff that is a true character of lustful ambition, is a disservice to humanity.
The Twelve aides of Jesus were overtly ambitious. Ambition shows itself in little words and insignificant actions. First we have the audacity of the mother of the sons of Zebedee and her sons who came and knelt before Jesus requesting that while in his kingdom, Jesus should get her sons sit one by his right and the other by his left. Mark says it was the two sons James and John who came by themselves to make that request(Mk.10:35-37).
When the other ten disciples heard what happened, “they were Indignant with the two brothers.” Their reaction is proof that they too were nursing the same ambitions. They did not just abandon their sources of daily bread to follow Jesus for a heavenly kingdom. They were looking forward to becoming ministers in Jesus’ earthly kingdom.
One can be in the heavenly kingdom train, yet nursing the ambitions of leadership in an earthly kingdom. This may explain why even today ambition within the Ecclesia is made of sterner stuff! Such ruthless and heartless leadership drive is what Jesus decried. Whoever wants to be great among the children of God must be their servant, and whoever wants to be first must be the people’s slave.
Jesus himself is an example of his prescription: he did not come to serve, he came to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.
My friend, just as Jesus replied to the mother of James and John, he Jesus is not in a position to grant such requests. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared by my Father.”
The earthly high seats within the Ecclesia and the people who are given positions through kneeling are a great contradiction to what Jesus prescribed. Those things are ephemeral! They will pass away when we are gone! Pursue the way of Christ through sacrificial service.
Prayer: Holy Spirit, guide my thoughts away from heartless ambition. Amen!
Have a blessed day! Peace be with you!
Rev Babila Fochang.
26/03/2026.