Ambition is considered a prerequisite of success in the business world and we learn from Paul that it's the same in the spiritual world as well. But success needs to be defined, because what the world views as a reward for ambition is not the same as what one can expect from God. One is temporal and the other is spiritual; one is temporary, the other eternal.

This teaching in Paul's letter is the launching pad upon which the greatest hope of man is revealed: the return of the Lord Jesus in the clouds to claim his bride, the church. (Vs 4:13-18) At first glance it seems his teaching on working in the world is out of place. If we're getting ready to leave the world without dying, we need a loftier idea or principle than working while we wait, don't we? But think about it and you'll understand why Paul used this teaching to set the stage for the Rapture.

For years, misdirected Saints have read of the glorious appearing of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and then done some of the stupidest things. Some, thinking the Lord's coming could be a certain day, have sold everything, put on white robes and gathered together on the roof as if they wanted to make their transition easier for God, I guess. Others have treated the idea of the imminent return of Jesus with more decorum. They simply become monks, limit their exposure to the world and then hardly leave the house for fear they'll be in the wrong place at the wrong time when the trumpet sounds. Both of these examples are extreme, but they're not new. Paul saw it happening in his day.

Paul wanted to see Jesus as much as anyone, but he knew and taught others that the soon appearing of Jesus meant a limited time to serve God. The time left was a gift to get ready. And how does one get ready to see God? Simple: by being busy and living a full and rich life in the world in full view of everyone. This world may not be our home and we may just be passing through, but God's got work for us to do on our pilgrimage, Saint. Come on down off the roof and pick up some tools and get to work.

A lot is made of verbal witnessing as well as it should be. How else will someone hear of Jesus unless someone tells them? But, be careful before you draw a conclusion on preaching Jesus. That's because the best way to win souls is to live a holy life in full view of the lost. That's what Paul taught: Live like Jesus in the world and point others to Him by being a faithful follower. Then if you must, you can always tell someone what they can't seem to figure out on their own.

1 Developed from Read the Bible Thru ( Jr. 16:16-18:23 1 Th. 4:1-5:2a Ps. 81:1-16 Pr. 25:6-7 )
2. Scripture comes from the Holy Bible, New International Version; (c)1978 by New York International Bible Society

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