One of my favorite things to read and study is political history, particularly American political history. The biography that I am currently reading is called THE HAND OF PROVIDENCE, THE STRONG AND QUIET FAITH OF RONALD REAGAN. The biography is written by Mary Beth Brown, a friend of the Reagan family. It has always been evident listening to Reagan's speeches and following his policy decisions that his faith provided a significant element to his worldview. Admittedly, I am not yet through with the book (perhaps I should want until I finish to comment), but it is striking how much Reagan recognized the hand of God moving him into strategic places in life to follow His Dreams. He saw each life event as another step to reach his greater goals, which for him involved acting, particularly movies. What I find missing in this account of Reagan's personal faith is the understanding that the providential hand of God is not only moving you closer to some END RESULT, but it places exactly where God wants you to be at the present. There didn't appear to be any sense that Reagan lived for the moment he was in, he was always looking ahead to something bigger and greater.
Please don't misunderstand me, ambition is a good thing. The Apostle Paul frequently talks about looking ahead pressing for a goal (2 Cor 5 and Phil 3 specifically). We should all be ambitious, striving to have a greater impact on the world around us, striving for excellence in all we do. Christians should be the very best in whatever field God places them (movies, politics, missions, economics, sales, etc...). We should be driven by a desire to honor God with excellence. "Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven" Matt.5.16.
I wonder, however, if ambition robs us of making the most of the opportunities that God sets before us today. Do you excel in your current job, ministry, schooling, etc. So that you can reach the next rung of the proverbial ladder? Or are you seeking to excel now so that you can have a greater influence on the people that are presently in your sphere if influence? The same Paul who challenges us to be ambitious and to strive for excellence reminds us to "look carefully how you live, not as unwise but wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil" (Eph 5.15,16 ESV). Carpe Diem! Are you having an eternal influence in your present sphere? Or are you consumed by effort to climb the ladder of success? Be motivated! Be diligent! Be ambitions! But be faithful in making the best use of the current moment as well.
More about Reagan another time.
Grace to You!
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