AMBITION CAN BE A DISTRACTION

Of course we draw with admiration to those among us who have great zeal for life. And, too, those of aggressive nature who dream big seem to be some of my more glorious heroes.  These elements, however, can become a serious distraction if not aware of subtle pitfalls.

On the run is more than Mobil oil's slogan.  It is society.  While we often voice complaint, the moving pace of our days and nights is what we enjoy.  We are about the addiction of perpetual movement.  We are about activity.  We equate mobility with success.

Stillness, on the other hand, can be assumed blatant laziness if not irresponsible indifference.

God's children must balk at our busy lifestyles.  We must stop the Ferris Wheel and settle down.  To be still seems foreign to any who are bent on serving God.  The massive world has deep need and we each feel quite puny in our approach to bring relief.  Due to our compassionate hearts we tend to step up the pace over first sitting alone with Father to absorb the divine from a pure spiritual base.

Truth be told, ambition is often a distraction which keeps us out of deeper relationship with God.  We don't/won't take the time to be quiet so that He can get a word in edge-wise.  We are on the run.  Devotion to helping others is the name of our game while often we have failed to be filled with His Spirit.  We are found to be running....on empty.

Michael Wells makes a statement which seems...well...wrong.  Here is a great secret: when we are in the perfect will of God, we hear and feel nothing.  Yet, this comment is important.  Stillness is His focus.  We are simply His.  There is no stimulation nor is there need for it.  We are simply wonderfully in God's presence.

Psalm 46:10's Be still and know that I am God seems to feel weird.  That's it? Shouldn't I be moving; roaming the earth as a representation of His Son?  Of course. And when we evaluate His Son's walk it is not obscure teaching that Jesus spent very much time alone, immobile, being near Father.

There is dire need for us to develop restful relationship with our Father.  He yearns for us to be present in mind, heart, and soul.  We struggle to take a break from the phones, emails, demands, and schedules.  Rest isn't rest for often it is bombarded with things waiting for us to get done.  

With a church-world full of whistles, bells, missions, and programs, it is up to each of us to hear His call for personal relationship over our bent on keeping the plates-a-spinning.

So how do we stop it?  How to we get off of this non-stop cycle?  Do it.  Let the phone ring.  Let the FB world go on without our watchful eyes.  Let the church do its bountiful labors at times without you.  You rest.  You'll be back.  You'll be serving so that others can rest.

Ambition can be a distraction.  No.  It IS a distraction for far too many when we trust our efforts more than we trust His presence.