THE PILGRIMS GUIDE MONDAY DECEMBER 22, 2025 DANGER OF UNCHECKED AMBITION A WORD FROM THE WORD: "After this it happened that Absalom provided himself with chariots and horses, and fifty men to run before him. Now Absalom would rise early and stand beside the way to the gate. So it was, whenever anyone who had a lawsuit came to the king for a decision, that Absalom would call to him and say, 'What city are you from?' And he would say, 'Your servant is from such and such a tribe of Israel.' Then Absalom would say to him, 'Look, your case is good and right; but there is no deputy of the king to hear you.' Moreover Absalom would say, 'Oh, that I were made judge in the land, and everyone who has any suit or cause would come to me; then I would give him justice.' And so it was, whenever anyone came near to bow down to him, that he would put out his hand and take him and kiss him. In this manner Absalom acted toward all Israel who came to the king for judgment. So Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel." 2 Samuel 15:1-6 NKJV. When Absalom stood by the way of the gate (v-2), he was standing by the way of 'authority' to either get familiar with or usurp the gate (authority). Absalom would always find out what the peoples cases are (v-3), and capitalise on them to project himself and his agenda. He kept drawing himself to the throne of his father by being 'utterly good' to those who come to him (verse 4-5). The intention behind the above was to rally those in need who came to him behind his plot of overthrowing his father, King David, and enthroning himself in his father's place (v-6), through this and other actions of his, he was able to steal the hearts of the whole of Israel. A danger of unchecked ambition can evidently be found in a Christian, who like Absalom, from the context of our foundational Scripture, is laden with flawed character, and who rather thrives in subterfuge, manipulations, rebellion, conspiracy against leadership and lack of protocol in counselling people aside from proper channels without notifying leadership of their procedures and content of their advice, all because of the innate desire to be famous (and wealthy in other cases). There are Christians who are possessed with this 'Absalom spirit.' Such should be confronted in the spirit of gentleness to show them their error and trust God for repentance. PRAYER BULLETS: LORD Jesus, thank You for pointing out to me the Absalom spirit, and the danger hidden in unchecked ambition. Help me by Your Spirit to overcome it, and to be a shining example of who You want me to be. FURTHER READING: James 3:14-16; 2 Samuel 15:1-2; Romans 13:1; 16:17-20; 1 Peter 5:5-6. ________________________________________ ©️ Amaobi Nwachukwu 2025. If you're blessed by this, please, do share. #ThePilgrimsGuide.