A 02 - Not a Place in Which to Gratify Ambition

NOT A PLACE IN WHICH TO GRATIFY AMBITION

2. In the same line, the ministry is not a place in which to gratify the ambition for position and fame. It is true that there are prizes of this kind in this field. Some pulpits are strategic points of national and even international publicity and influence and afford a man of commanding ability and genius a conspicuous and splendid position and opportunity as a religious and social leader and platform orator; and in every age there have been great preachers who have won brilliant fame and even lasting renown. It is right, also, that a minister should endeavor to develop his powers to their utmost and fill his field with the largest measure of efficiency and, influence. It is as much his duty as it is of any other man to make the most of himself and of his opportunities. Inevitably also his eye will sweep his horizon and he will be attracted to positions of the highest usefulness.

Yet all this is to be sharply discriminated and kept free from the worldly ambition to seek a high place as a means of personal aggrandizement and gratification. When the ambition to reach position and power be comes the dominant motive of a minister, it not only tempts him to use improper means to this end, but it is also so inconsistent with the true calling and spirit of the ministry that it will blight it at the root. I i No man, says Dr. James Denny, “can give the impression that he himself is clever and also that Christ is mighty to save.” He may do one or the other, but he cannot do both at the same time because the two things are mutually incompatible. The minister of Jesus Christ like his Master comes not to be “ministered unto, but to minister” and he should forget himself in his mission and his message.

Like John the Baptist he should be only a voice proclaiming him the latchet of whose shoes he is not worthy to unloose. If position and influence come to him, he should wel come them, but only as a means of further service. The way to get an influential place in the ministry is to forget it, and let it come, if it will, of its own accord, not sought, but seeking him who by faithful service has shown his fitness for it.