Shun Selfish Ambition

Absalom's rise to power and his subsequent fall serve as a lesson for us.  In today's cutthroat world, it is common for people to fawn over their superiors, trying to ingratiate themselves to them simply to make an impression or  perhaps to gain some type of privilege or promotion. At the same time, they might make bragging assertions to their subordinates, hoping to curry their favor and support. If we are not careful, such an ambitious spirit can take root in our heart.  Apparently, this happened among some int he first century, making it necessary for the apostles to give strong warnings against such ones. -Galatians 4:17; 3 John 9, 10. 

Jehovah has no place in his organization for self-aggrandizing schemers who try to "search out their own glory." (Proverbs 25:27) Indeed, the Bible warns:  "Jehovah will cut off all smooth lips, the tongue speaking great things." (Psalm 12:3)   Absalom had smooth lips.  He spoke swelling things to those whose favor he needed-all to acquire a coveted position of authority.  In contrast, how blessed we are to be amid a brotherhood that follows Paul's counsel:  "[Do] nothing out of contentiousness or out of egotism, but with lowliness of mind [consider] that the others are superior to you." -Philippians 2:3. 

Next time: Saul-An Impatient King

From the Watchtower magazine, 2000