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The Highest Objects of Ambition, March 26
Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which
endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto
you: for him hath God the Father sealed.
John 6:27
.
We cannot tell the ambitious man that he must cease to be ambitious if
he would become a Christian. God places before him the highest objects
of ambition—a spotless white robe, a crown studded with jewels, a scepter,
a throne of glory, and honor that is as enduring as the throne of Jehovah.
All the elements of character which help to make him successful and
honored in the world—the irrepressible desire for some greater good, the
indomitable will, the strenuous exertion, the untiring perseverance—are
not to be crushed out. These are to remain, and through the grace of God
received into the heart to be turned into another channel. These valuable
traits of character may be exercised on objects as much higher and nobler
than worldly pursuits as the heavens are higher than the earth.
Jesus presents a white robe, a crown of glory richer than any that ever
decked the brow of a monarch, and titles above those of honored princes.
The recompense for a life devoted to the service of Christ exceeds anything
that the human imagination can grasp. Christ does not call upon men to lay
aside their zeal, their desires for excellence and elevation, but He would
have them seek, not for perishable treasure or fleeting honor, but for that
which is enduring....
God is well pleased if those striving for eternal life aim high. There will
be strong temptations to indulge the natural traits of character by becoming
worldly wise, scheming, and selfishly ambitious, gathering wealth to the
neglect of the salvation which is of so much higher value. But every
temptation resisted is a priceless victory gained in subduing self; it bends
the powers to the service of Jesus, and increases faith, hope, patience, and
forbearance.... Let us aim in the strength of Jesus for the crown heavy with
stars. “They that be wise shall shine as ... the firmament; and they that turn
many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever” (
Daniel 12:3
)
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The Review and Herald, October 25, 1881
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