In a world driven by ambition, success, and individualism, young Christians face a unique challenge: How can they build the Kingdom of God while resisting the temptation to create their own personal empires? It's essential for young believers to remember that their purpose is to serve God and their fellow human beings, rather than seeking self-glory. In this article, we will explore some key principles and strategies to help young Christians prioritize the Kingdom of God over their own ambitions.
The Tower of Babel
The narrative of the Tower of Babel, found in the book of Genesis, is a compelling illustration of humanity's inclination to build empires rather than focusing on building the Kingdom of God. It serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us of the consequences of pride and self-serving ambitions.
In the early days of human civilization, after the great flood, people gathered in the land of Shinar. They shared a common language and a collective desire to make a name for themselves by constructing a grandiose tower that would reach the heavens. Their goal was clear: to build an empire that would make them famous and revered, a testament to their own greatness. This collective ambition was not inherently sinful, but it revealed a deep-seated desire for self-glory rather than a commitment to serve and honor God. The people of Babel aimed to exalt themselves, to demonstrate their prowess and achievements, even at the expense of seeking the will of the Almighty.
In response to their audacious endeavor, God visited the people with confusion, causing them to speak in different languages. The once-unified community now found themselves unable to understand each other, and their grand construction project crumbled into disarray. This divine intervention not only foiled their ambitious plan but also served as a powerful reminder of the consequences of pursuing personal empires at the expense of God's Kingdom. The narrative of the Tower of Babel underscores the importance of humility, obedience, and submission to God's will. It highlights the peril of human pride and selfish ambition, which can lead to confusion, chaos, and disunity. In contrast, building the Kingdom of God requires a heart attuned to God's purposes, a willingness to serve others, and a commitment to following His guidance.
As young Christians, we must heed the lessons of the Tower of Babel and strive to emulate the examples of those who sought to build the Kingdom of God, not personal empires. By placing God at the center of our ambitions and dedicating our talents and resources to His service, we can avoid the pitfalls of pride and self-seeking behavior. In doing so, we contribute to a world that reflects God's love, compassion, and unity, rather than one marked by the confusion and chaos that arise from the pursuit of personal empires.
Seek and Work for the Lord's Glory
Throughout human history, individuals have often grappled with the question of where to direct their ambitions and efforts. It is a fundamental choice between seeking self-glorification and pursuing the glory of the Lord. This age-old dilemma is deeply rooted in the human condition, and it is exemplified in the lives of countless individuals throughout history. The Bible is replete with guidance on this matter, with verses such as Colossians 3:17, which states,
"And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."
This serves as a clear directive to seek the Triune God's glory in all that we undertake. As young Christians, we are presented with a choice. We can either pursue self-seeking glory, which often leads to emptiness and discord, or we can strive to seek the Lord's glory by following His teachings and serving our fellow human beings. The latter path is one that has been trodden by great saints and leaders throughout history, leaving a legacy of love, service, and the fulfillment of God's purposes.
When we look at the lives of those who have made a lasting impact, it becomes evident that they are the ones who sought the glory of the Lord rather than self-seeking glory. Their stories serve as inspiring examples for all of us.
Consider the life of Mother Teresa, a humble nun who dedicated her life to serving the poorest of the poor in Calcutta, India. She chose to seek the glory of the Lord through selfless acts of compassion and love. Her work was not driven by a desire for personal recognition or fame, but rather by a deep and abiding faith in God's call to care for those in need. As a result, she became a symbol of selfless service and devotion to God's glory.
Reminder That Personal Empires Will Collapse
The pursuit of a personal empire, marked by pride and self-aggrandizement, is a path that often leads to an inevitable collapse. The life of King Herod serves as a stark illustration of this sobering reality. The death of King Herod is recounted in Acts 12 of the New Testament. Herod Agrippa I, the grandson of Herod the Great, was a ruler during the early years of the Christian church. His actions were instrumental in the early Christian narrative.
The story begins with King Herod arresting James, the brother of the apostle John, and having him put to death by the sword. This act pleased the religious leaders of the time, and Herod saw an opportunity to further win their favor. He subsequently imprisoned the apostle Peter, intending to bring him to trial and, presumably, to execute him as well. However, God had other plans. While Peter was in prison, the church fervently prayed for his release. On the night before Peter's trial, an angel of the Lord appeared in the prison cell. The angel awakened Peter, who was sleeping between two soldiers and bound with two chains. The angel miraculously led Peter past the guards and the iron gate that led to the city, and they made their way to a house where a group of believers were praying for him.
When Peter arrived at the house, the believers were astonished and overjoyed to see him alive and well. Peter shared his incredible escape with them. In the morning, there was a great commotion among the guards and officials when they discovered that Peter had vanished from his cell. As for Herod, he was left baffled and furious when he realized that Peter had escaped. Acts 12:23 describes the dramatic and symbolic end of King Herod:
"And immediately an angel of the Lord struck him because he did not give God the glory, and he was eaten by worms and breathed his last."
This account in Acts 12 serves as a reminder of the power and sovereignty of God. It also underscores the consequences of human pride and arrogance. King Herod's pride and desire for personal glory ultimately led to his downfall, as he failed to acknowledge the glory due to God. His death, marked by divine intervention, is a dramatic illustration of the biblical principle that God's purposes will always prevail, even in the face of human opposition and pride.
Titanic: The creators and operators of the Titanic, as well as many of its passengers, believed it to be invulnerable to the forces of nature. They proclaimed that not even God could sink the ship. This sentiment was born out of an overconfidence in human achievement and technology, a dangerous arrogance that blinded them to the realities of the natural world. When the Titanic struck an iceberg on that fateful night in April 1912, the illusion of invincibility quickly shattered. The ship, touted as unsinkable, proved to be tragically vulnerable. It was not only the vessel itself that succumbed to the icy depths of the Atlantic Ocean but also the lives of over 1,500 people.
Practice Humility and Servanthood
A cornerstone of Christian faith is humility and servanthood. Instead of seeking personal glory, emulate Jesus Christ's example of serving others. Philippians 2:3-4 advises,
"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility, value others above yourselves, not looking to your interests but each of you to the interests of the others."
Humility is the cornerstone of a life dedicated to serving God and others. It requires us to recognize our limitations, weaknesses, and our utter dependence on God's grace. When we approach our journey with humility, we acknowledge that our talents and accomplishments are gifts from the Creator, not solely the result of our efforts. This recognition not only fosters gratitude but also keeps our ambitions in check, preventing us from becoming slaves to the pursuit of personal glory.
Servanthood, closely linked to humility, is the practical expression of our faith. It calls us to put the needs of others before our own desires. Jesus himself exemplified servanthood when he washed the feet of his disciples, setting a powerful example of selfless service. When we practice servanthood, we actively seek to meet the needs of our fellow human beings, reflecting God's love in our actions.
In the pursuit of personal empires, the focus often centers on self-promotion, power, and individual success. The journey becomes a quest for personal recognition and wealth, driven by a desire to make a name for oneself. However, this approach is at odds with the Christian path.
When we choose to build God's Kingdom, our objectives shift. Instead of seeking our own glory, we aim to manifest the love and teachings of Christ in our daily lives. This means serving the marginalized, caring for the vulnerable, and spreading the message of hope, forgiveness, and redemption. It means that our ambitions are no longer confined to personal gain but are expanded to include the betterment of the world and the fulfillment of God's purposes.
Humility and servanthood are not signs of weakness but, rather, marks of strength and faith. By embracing these virtues, we open ourselves to the transformative power of God's love, allowing it to flow through us and into the lives of others. In doing so, we become instruments for change, channels of grace, and builders of the Kingdom of God.
Stay In Union and Communion with Believers
In the pursuit of building the Kingdom of God and avoiding the creation of personal empires, the significance of unity with fellow believers and maintaining a sense of community cannot be overstated. These elements serve as a powerful antidote to the isolation and self-centeredness that often accompany the pursuit of personal ambitions.
The Christian faith emphasizes the value of community and the strength that comes from unity. When believers come together, they create a supportive network that enables them to serve God more effectively. The Bible, in Hebrews 10:24-25, underscores this importance, encouraging us to "consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another."
By uniting with fellow believers, we are able to share our burdens, joys, and challenges. Together, we can encourage one another in our faith journeys and hold each other accountable in our commitment to building the Kingdom of God. A sense of community also provides a space for learning, spiritual growth, and the sharing of resources, talents, and wisdom. It allows us to pool our strengths and work collectively for the greater good.
On the contrary, the pursuit of personal empires often leads to isolation and competition. In this individualistic approach, people are more inclined to view others as rivals rather than as partners in a shared mission. The relentless pursuit of self-glory can breed loneliness and disconnection, alienating individuals from the support and guidance that a community of believers can offer.
By staying in community, and uniting with fellow believers, we fortify our commitment to God's Kingdom. This collective effort reinforces the values of humility, servanthood, and the recognition of a higher purpose. It prevents us from veering off course into the realm of personal ambition and pride. Moreover, a community of believers offers a haven of encouragement and mutual growth. It is a place where we can seek guidance, prayer, and solace during challenging times. Through our shared experiences, we can witness the transformative power of God's love and grace in the lives of our fellow believers, inspiring us to persevere in our mission to build His Kingdom.
As young Christians, we must recognize that we are not solitary agents in this endeavor. By uniting with fellow believers and staying in the community, we not only amplify our impact but also reinforce our commitment to God's Kingdom over personal empires. Together, we can exemplify the power of faith in action, actively serving the world and each other in humble obedience to God's will.
Conclusion
The below lyrics are from the song "More of You" written by Colton Dixon:
"I made my castle tall, I built up every wall, this is my kingdom and it needs to fall. I want you and no one else, empty me of myself; until the only thing that's left is, more of You, less of me, make me who I'm meant to be; You're all I want all I need, You're everything; take it all I surrender, be my King, God I choose more of You and less of me." Colton Dixon
The choice to build the Kingdom of God is a profound one. It is a choice that centers on humility, servanthood, and unity within a community of believers. It is a choice that calls us to serve others, reflect God's love, and honor His divine purpose above all else. As young Christians, this is our calling, our mission, and our opportunity to make a lasting impact on the world. May we all strive to build His Kingdom and not personal empires, walking in humility and unity as we serve and love those around us.
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