When Ambition Blinds: Lessons from Moses and the Path to True Wisdom

Moses. The name itself conjures images of powerful leadership, miraculous intervention, and a deep, unwavering connection to God. His life began with an extraordinary escape, a Hebrew infant saved from Pharaoh's decree by a basket on the Nile, nurtured in the very palace of his oppressors. He fled after a righteous act of defending a slave, only to be called by God from a burning bush, tasked with the monumental mission of delivering his people from slavery. He led them through parted seas, wilderness wanderings, and received the very laws that would define a nation.
Yet, despite his unparalleled journey and the divine favor he experienced, Moses, the great leader of Israel, was denied entry into the Promised Land. The reason? A seemingly small act of disobedience detailed in Numbers 20:2-12. God had instructed him to speak to the rock for water, but in a moment of frustration, Moses struck it, exalting himself and Aaron in front of the people: "Must we bring water for you out of this rock?"
This act, born of unchecked ambition, highlights a critical truth: even the greatest among us can stumble when personal drive overshadows divine instruction. Moses, a man of profound character, conviction, courage, and commitment, allowed his ambition to become unchecked.
The Risks of Unchecked Ambition
Unchecked ambition carries significant risks. It can lead to:

• Disillusionment and Burnout: Acting quickly without careful attention can leave us exhausted and questioning our path.
• Replacing God: Without realizing it, the things we pursue can subtly replace God, becoming our ultimate focus and devotion.

So, how do we avoid this pitfall? James 3:13-17 offers profound guidance on cultivating true wisdom.
The Mark of a Wise Person
James asks, "Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom."
A truly wise person is characterized by:

• Deep understanding and sound judgment: As Proverbs 29:11 states, "A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back."
• Caution and a turning away from evil: Proverbs 14:16 reminds us, "One who is wise is cautious and turns away from evil, but a fool is reckless and careless."
• Careful living: Ephesians 5:15 advises, "Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise."

In essence, wisdom is demonstrated through an honorable life, marked by:

1. Priorities in Order: Moses consistently put God first, followed by the welfare of the Israelites. For us, this means putting God first, your spouse next, your children next, and everything else after.
2. Consistency in All Matters: Whether it's providing for your family, attending church, keeping your word, or studying your Bible, consistency builds an honorable life.
3. A Close Relationship with God: When you have a deep connection with God, honor flows naturally. You understand the importance of tithing and giving Him glory for all good things.

Works Done with Meekness of Wisdom
True wisdom is also evidenced by "works done with the meekness of wisdom." Meekness implies humility, patience, and a submissive nature. It means doing good works while showing humility, surrendering completely to God's work, and recognizing yourself as a sinner saved by grace.
Beware of Earthly, Sensual, Demonic Wisdom
James warns against "bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts." These feelings – resentment, a desire for achievement rooted in personal gain – are not from God. They are "earthly, sensual, demonic."
"For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there." (James 3:16). This resonates deeply with our world today. Just as news outlets, driven by self-ambition, sow confusion, selfish ambition in our own lives leads to disorder and destruction. It's the same ambition that caused Satan's fall and fuels sin's insatiable grip.
God's Wisdom: Pure, Peaceable, and Good
In stark contrast, "the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy" (James 3:17).
God's wisdom is:

• Pure: Free from contamination.
• Peaceable: Inclined to avoid strife.
• Gentle: Honorable and respectable.
• Willing to yield: Easy to be entreated.
• Full of mercy and good fruits: Compassionate and productive.
• Without partiality and without hypocrisy: Unbiased and truthful.

James is not suggesting we lack ambition. God desires for us to have goals and the drive to achieve them. However, true wisdom recognizes that when ambition is placed before God, or when it involves sin, God cannot and will not be a part of it. Let us learn from Moses's stumble and strive for the pure, peaceable wisdom that comes from above.