In the Battle of Borodino in 1812, Napoleon Bonaparte had all but crushed the Russians. The Russian army retreated, and Napoleon opened the road to Moscow, setting the stage to seize the enemy’s capital. Instead of capitalizing on his win and reevaluating next steps, his hunger for even more drove him to enter and occupy Moscow. A standoff ensued that lasted into winter. What started as a hero’s victory with 600,000 soldiers ended in a world-class embarrassment. In addition to battle, brutal cold, starvation, typhus and dysentery led to the deaths of over 50% of his troops. In humiliation, Napoleon retreated with only 30,000 soldiers in fighting condition. He lost far more than he had ever gained.
Similarly, in 1 Samuel 13, Saul enjoyed the benefits of being Israel's anointed king, experiencing numerous victories by God's hand. However, when he arrived at Gilgal, he grew impatient. Instead of resting in the assurance of God's faithfulness and patiently waiting for the prophet Samuel, he was consumed by pride and, in a rush, offered an inappropriate sacrifice. His failure to find contentment in the many blessings he’d been given cost Saul far more than he ever gained.
Even after a victory, both men were driven by selfish ambition. It is amazing how quickly people adapt to higher levels of success or abundance. The Bible compares this insatiable appetite to leeches that never say, “Enough,” to land that never gets enough water, or to a fire that never stops consuming.
Even as we receive God’s blessing, we begin to think about how we could have more. The line between godly ambition and sinful greed is microscopic. This unquenchable desire is shown not only in military conquests but also in money, possessions, titles and power. As one says outwardly, “Wow, thank you, Lord,” he thinks internally, “Could I have a bit more?”
While selfish ambition often manifests in observable ways, it begins in the heart. Consider the conversation between Jesus and a lawyer that prompted Him to tell the Parable of the Good Samaritan.
Imagine Jesus publicly quizzing you, and after you answered, hearing Him say, “You have answered correctly.” Could anything be more validating? Yet, “Desiring to justify himself,” the lawyer wanted even more than the Son of God’s public affirmation.
Is there evidence of this in your life? Is your internal drive a godly, sanctified passion, or is it tainted by selfish ambition? Do you consistently recognize and thank God for the many blessings in your life, or do your thoughts often wander to what you don’t have? Do you struggle to remember that God has granted you all things for life and godliness? That is, do you remember that He has given you enough?
Initiative is not evil. Matthew 6:33–34 shows us how to orient our desires. “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” Seeking God first stands in contrast to worrying about the future. Are you focused on the “first thing” or on “future things”? Instead of fretting about what may come next, gratefully enjoy the present. Take the win!