Time in the Word: Romans 3, Proverbs 27

It is not unusual for a growing disciple to say to me from time to time, “Pastor I am so unworthy. I fail so much in my Christian walk. The more I learn, the more I realize how ‘jacked up’ I really am.” It is also…even more so…common to observe an attitude among some professing believers in Christ who have “figured out” the “ins and outs” of church life…that they have somehow arrived and have risen above the fray and are now really rocking out their walk with Jesus. [Honestly, I know how different I am today than I was even a year or two ago...much less how I was in the early days of my growth as a disciple...but the more I look forward rather than back...the more I realize how far I have to go. Now that may be scary to you when you think of a pastor...if you are an outsider...or if you "have arrived," but if you are on the journey as I am...you know exactly what I just said and you can appreciate it.]

This third chapter in Romans is one I have quoted from many times…at least parts of it but there are still truths that God shows me. A few observations:

• 3:19-20. The Law is written for those under the Law…to remind them that they cannot be justified by the Law. It is not written to those outside the Law…for they know that they are not under the Law and that they are not justified by their adherence to the Law. They are not under it. [It is important to realize that Christians can easily fall into a trap of developing our own "law code" by which we feel justified. We don't "drink, smoke, or chew...or vote democrat!" (Easy tiger...I'm using an extreme illustration...to make a point). This code extends to church attendance, giving, witnessing, serving in the nursery and sacrificing for missions.) The problem is...once we develop this code- and we developed it, not God...we wonder why the "lost world" doesn't adhere to our OBVIOUSLY RIGHTEOUS standard. Here's the answer...it doesn't apply to them! Furthermore, just like the legalists of Jesus' day, the Pharisees, we can focus on what we have accomplished to such a degree...that our accomplishments become a means of self-justification and a litmus test to examine other peoples' lives by. The Pharisees were wrong...and so are Christians who adopt a "christianized law code" for themselves.]
• 3:21. Justification in the OT…yes, during the “LAW era” was also and always by faith in God which was seen in seeking to observe the Law and offering sacrifices in repentance as testimony that one was unable to keep the Law…but salvation was and is always a “faith” issue (3:21-23,24)
• 3:27. If we “amen” (agree) with the above statement, then there can never be a basis for boasting. The law of faith demonstrates that God alone justifies…not God and us. We accept. We yield. We trust in faith. We respond…but the work of salvation is done by God alone according to grace alone and is appropriated by faith alone.
• Again…keeping with the theme of the previous two chapters…this leads us to a humble submission and an acute awareness of our obligation to live without judgment toward others…and to proclaim the gospel to all peoples everywhere that God would send us! To do otherwise…or, if you prefer, to FAIL to do this…is to proclaim in our actions that we have judged others unworthy of that which by grace made us worthy before God. There is NEVER…no NEVER a justified argument for a believer who does not constantly, intentionally, and willfully share his faith in the gospel and seeks to bring all men everywhere to obedience to the faith (1:5).

Proverbs 27:14 is the takeaway today. “He who blesses his friend with a loud voice early in the morning, it will be reckoned a curse to him.” [My applied transliteration: You can do the right thing with the right intention in the wrong way and your efforts will be lost. How you do something is as important as the what and why.]

Time in the Word: Romans 2, Proverbs 26

In this second chapter, it is hard to make it past the first eleven verses. A quick observations in light of the first chapter. In the first chapter we saw that preaching the gospel and bringing men to obedience to the faith is an OBLIGATION in light of the grace of God’s calling. In these first verses we see that failing to fulfill this obligation is equivalent to casting judgemnent…to judging those separated from God as unworthy of the grace of God.

Such JUDGEMENT renders us JUDGED and unworthy of the grace of God.

Preaching the gospel is not a good idea. It is not a suggestion. It is our only appropriate response to the grace we’ve received. Failing to preach the gospel…evangelizing…is the most judgmental thing we could ever do…since the gospel is the power of God for salvation for everyone who believes…

I know that we live in a “live and let live world.” Our allegiance and obligation though is to another world…another Kingdom…one in which the Lord alone stands as Supreme.

Let us commit again to not judging others as unworthy. Let us commit again to proclaiming the Hope of God without prejudice and with great passion. Let us embrace our obligation and may God receive the glory.

Proverbs 26:8 is the takeaway today. “Like one who binds a stone in a sling, so is he who gives honor to a fool.”

Time in the Word: Romans 1, Proverbs 25

This morning, I decided to take a trip back to the NT and visit Romans in a chapter a day study. Honestly, I could probably do more or less Scripture, but this pace allows for some deeper meditation on some principles of God’s Word.

A few observations:

• 1:1. Paul’s calling as an apostle (lit: a “sent one”) involved being set apart for the GOSPEL…which is clearly defined as communicating the message of God’s eternal plan to save through CHRIST, the Son of God (1:2-3). [Now is some ways, Paul is unique because he was a SENT ONE (think...missionary), but in other ways...his calling and activity are like ours. There is an inherent responsibility and privilege to proclaim the gospel...if we are in fact "called" by God as His people.
• 1:5. The objective of Paul's ministry...to bring about obedience to the faith among all of the Gentiles. Gentiles are no more valuable than Jews...so this speaks of the focus that God gives us in our specific callings. We are not ALL called to do everything for ALL as individuals; however, we are ALL called as a Body (church local and universal) to engage ALL. When we do what we can, with what we have, to the glory of God...we experience the fulfillment of this idea. Peter was an apostle (sent one) to the Jews, whereas Paul was a "sent one" to the Gentiles. Together, they had the people groups covered! However, if they had both tried to reach ALL...the effectiveness would likely have been greatly diminished. FURTHERMORE: Effectiveness of ministry is measured here by OUTCOME...not ACTIVITY. Paul's objective was to bring about obedience to the faith...not hand out tracts, get a TV ministry, giveaway water bottles, or have 59 minute church services. These are MEANS to the end...but they are not the measure of success. (There is a dangerous strain of theology out there that makes is seem like OUTREACH is the same as IMPACT. It is not. IMPACT is where we're going...and OUTREACH is the way we get there.
• 1:12. There is great encouragement in being with other believers and hearing/seeing how God works in all corners of the world. (I love this part of my missions activity. I love to see God at work...and while humbling, it is an encouragement to know that he uses me to encourage other who I think pay a far greater price for their faith than I likely ever will.
• 1:14-15. There is an obligation to preach the gospel to ALL. It is not a suggestion. It is not a good idea. It is an obligation...a responsibility.
• 1:18-32. These passages have been the focus of preaching and thought and an individual unit...in many ministries...including my own. They speak of the consequences of sin and how God "gave them [unbelievers] over” to the consequences of their sin. If we’re not careful…we read these verses and we justify the imminent destruction of sinners. We say…”All are without excuse and they are going to be justly punished for their sins!” Yes…this is true…but we were supposed to be justly punished for our sins too…and yet someone, under obligation…set apart for the gospel…called by God…proclaimed the good news to us…and we responded. If we’ve responded…we are UNDER OBLIGATION to preach the gospel to those to whom we are sent. To focus on their sin and not on our own salvation and obligation…does violence to the heart of this chapter. Paul begins with grace, preaching, ALL, and obligation. He then shows us the cost of our disobedience.

APPLIED: May God stir our minds to think grace and obligation far more often and far sooner than we think just consequences. May we focus on obligation and IMPACT more than God’s judgment being rightly deserved. May we remember…that but for grace…we too would remain “given over” to depraved minds, degrading passions, and lusts of the heart.

Proverbs 25:12 is the takeaway today. “Like an earring of gold and an ornament of fine gold is a wise reprover to a listening ear.”

Ni90: Romans 16, Proverbs 15

In this concluding chapter to the Book of Romans, we find the longest singular list of greetings of any of Paul’s writings. As I did some historical reading today about this, I thought it interesting that most believe that these people were in Rome and that along the way of Paul’s ministry, he had met them or had come to know them. Mentioning of commendation was common practice in the era…as with Phoebe. But the list of greetings was a bit unusual. Many scholars believe that Paul was establishing his own credibility for a future visit by pointing out the relationships he already had with well-known leaders in the church. Once can certainly draw from this what you like. What I took from it is:

To make this list, you were not a “blend into the crowd” sort of person. Each person listed were recognized for their faithful, diligent, and ongoing work for the Lord. Some worked for the Lord as fellow “sent ones/apostles/missionaries” of Paul’s (16:7). Others worked for the Lord by ministering within the Christian community (16:6, 12). Others, by implication, demonstrated faithfulness and notoriety by supporting Paul and the church in various ways (16:10,11,13, et.al.). [I think these were some who financially supported Paul or visited with him and helped him in times of need.] The point is…each person who served faithfully, diligently, and continually were mentioned by name.

The application of this reminds me of an old Southern Gospel song that contained a line, “just give me a shack on the edge of heaven” (Honestly I may have butchered the words…though the sentiment is right]. Some would say, I just want to blend in…be part of the middle…   This idea is usually proffered as some form of humility…like, I don’t want any recognition or deserve anything special…just let me live in the broom closest and feed me bread and water. Friend it is one thing to recognize that we do not deserve God’s blessings. It is another to use this type of feigned humility as a cover for our lack of commitment/initiative/passion for serving God. WHile Paul considered himself the “least of all apostles,” he also “pressed forward” for the upward call of Christ…disciplining himself and his body so that he might win the race!

I think it is CRITICAL in the Christian life that we “leave it all on the field.” The names recorded here are not the names of the masses. They are the names of those who pressed hard for victory. They strived for success. They desired the Kingdom’s coming…and they looked for it. [I imagine them as an old farmer who, long after sunset...stood on the porch with tired hands and an aching back...looking over the planted field...with satisfaction in working hard and hoping/praying for a harvest to come.] Honestly…I wonder if we have the same desires as these people sometimes? Do we? Do we pray for God’s Kingdom (the rule and reign of Christ) in our lives and in the world? Do we sacrifice/work/strive to bring it about?

Question: When is the last time you decided not to buy something/go on a vacation/or eat out SO THAT you could reinvest your time and energy to reach a lost world? [Now...that question is not intended to produce guilt...rather, it is intended to cause us to reflect.]

My other observation: 16:17. Fidelity to Christ requires diligence, intentionality, and discernment. Be watching for those who would subvert the call of Christ on your life.

Proverbs 15:19 is the takeaway today. “The way of the lazy is as a hedge of thorns, but the path of the upright is a highway.”

Ni90: Romans 13-15, Proverbs 14

Well today marks day 45 of our 90 days in the NT endeavor. Congrats, you just crossed the halfway mark! Praise God!! Proud of your efforts!

These chapters touch on some of the most significant and formative planks in my applied theology (personally speaking). What I mean by applied theology…is the way that my understanding of God as He reveals Himself is worked out in my daily life. Truly…we could just call it THEOLOGY because any true understanding of God will always be observed in application. We act out what we think about God. If we are “stingy,” they we think God is, or that God is okay with stingy children, or we think God is inept in correcting us for our sin. If we are without grace…then we think God is “grace-less,” or that He doesn’t want us to be gracious…or that He can’t stop and correct us in our actions. How we act demonstrates what we believe…

Observations:

• 13:1-2. Obey all authorities over you. Government officials, Police, Pastors, School teachers, every authority… For their responsibility to rule over you comes from God…and to rebel against their authority is to rebel against God. [Good night...I have more work to do in this area of my life.]
• 13:7. Honor the office and the office holder…not based on the merits of the man but due to the nature of the Office. [If this is true, I can't run around calling the President by his first name or just his last name. I must speak of him in an honorable way. Same with police...not cops; pastors, school teachers, professors, County Commissioners.] [BTW: It is true.]
• 13:11. Why do I HAVE TO DO THIS? Because Jesus is coming back and I will give account to Him.
• 14:1. I am to accept the one who is weak in his faith (leading to food/drink/legalistic activities) and not in a “bless your little immature heart” sort of way…but full acceptance…because He is accountable to God for Himself (14:23) and must obey God. My Acceptance of Him should…NO MUST…cause me to live in a way as to not cause him to stumble over my exercise of freedom. IOW…I am to not eat a pork sandwich with my Messianic Jewish brothers if they are Kosher. I am not to invite my Fundamentalist friends over and drink a beer in front of them. I am not to schedule work days on the Sabbath for my Sabbath observing friends. IOW: I am to accept and accommodate my brother’s Christian religious convictions…even if I find no cause to observe them personally. [BTW: This is one of the two primary motivations that I do not drink any alcohol...not because I think it is a sin. The Bible does NOT call drinking alcohol a sin.I abstain because my fundamentalist brothers (along with my Nazarene brothers, my pentecostal brothers, and my Wesleyan brothers) are convicted that Christians don't drink. [For that matter, so is a majority of the lost world...but that speaks of my second reason...a desire to reach the lost.] I HAVE NO RIGHT…in fact…I have a RESPONSIBILITY to love my brother enough to not cause Him to stumble over my freedom. NOW…this does not mean that my Fundamentalist brothers have a right to force their legalistic views on me or anyone else. (See 14:23). To require submission by edict is to cause a brother to act contrary to his faith…which for him is sin. So…I do not require abstaining from alcohol as a prerequisite for service or office…but I would have serious reservations about a man who would trumpet his freedom to the point that he would cause a weaker brother to stumble… (MAN that’s good.) This is the essence of 15:1-3…and the rest of the two chapters.

Proverbs 14:4 is the takeaway today…and one of my favorite verses… “Where no oxen are, the manger is clean, but much revenue comes by the strength of the ox.” [Making disciples is messy. Re-examining our beliefs/doctrine is messy. Reaching the lost is messy...BUT, much reward comes from the effort.]

Ni90: Romans 10-12, Proverbs 13

This section opens with one of the most precious chapters of Scripture…for me. Ch. 10 contains the “call” verses that God used to confirm His calling on my life to the preaching ministry. I love the Book of Romans and have studied it several times…but this chapter (10) just captivates me. That being said, my observations today:

• 10:1. Paul’s prayer, his effort, his desire…the Salvation of those separated from Christ. He loved the Jewish people. He had served them as a teacher for some time prior to his conversion in Acts 9. Now…as an Apostle to the  Gentiles and a preacher of the gospel…he never moved past desiring their salvation. [It is interesting that often times, we get distracted in the conversation of our desires in the local church. Some want to eliminate poverty. Others want to save the unborn. Still others want to get everyone "acting properly." While these MAY be good goals and aims...they are not the consuming fire in Paul's bones. They are all outworkings of a Saved person's life and faith...but everything begins with Salvation. Oh that God would make us CONSUMED with concern for Salvation again!]
• 10:13-15. My call verses. They must call on Christ to be saved…but to call they must believe…and to believe they must hear…and to hear someone must proclaim…and to proclaim…someone must be sent. The church MUST send out EVERYONE to PROCLAIM to EVERYONE so that EVERYONE may hear so that all who will…shall BELIEVE and those CALL on Christ to be saved. Notice that the believing and the calling and the saving are not our business. That is between God and the person being saved… Our part is to SEND/GO, PREACH, and do so in a manner through which they can HEAR and RESPOND.
• 11:1. God is not finished with Israel. He has turned His focus toward the Gentiles for a season…until their time is fulfilled (11:11, 25)…but He will graft back in the natural branch (Israel) to the Root (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob/Israel) in the same way He grafted us (the Gentiles) into the root. Anyone who cannot see a distinctive identity for Israel in the mind of Paul…boggles my mind. I know people who tell me that the church has replaced Israel as God’s “new” Spiritual Israel. I cannot (for the life of me) see how a view of replacement theology can ever be made to “square” with Romans 9-11.
• God’s grace toward us and His promised grace in the future toward all (us and Israel) should motivate a passionate response of offering ourselves as “living sacrifices” on God’s altar…wholly surrendered in service (12:1-2). This is the will of God. The outworking of this MUST be the exercise of our specific individual gifts as we exercise sound judgment in serving God as part of the Body of Christ…that is the local CHURCH and thus the larger context of the Body of Christ. This service is with great humility (12:3) and great passion (12:9-12).

Proverbs 13:2 is the takeaway today. “From the fruit of a man’s mouth he enjoys good, but the desire of the treacherous is violence.”

Ni90: Romans 7-9, Proverbs 12

These chapters are some of the most debated and difficult texts in Scripture. They are difficult…not because of what they say but because of how they confront what we believe (or think we believe) about a whole plethora of issues. In these verses, people find support for Sovereign Election, Free will, Replacement Theology, Dispensational Eschatology, dichotomy of the person (spirit/body), and others. For the most part…I can argue for a position in the current Presidential primaries from this text if you give me an hour…and “context” is not important. What is essential to understanding this text (and any text) as it was designed is to grasp the context and interpret it in light of the author’s (both the human author and the Holy Spirit) intent. Then…once the principle is “mined” from the text, it can be applied. To have a “destination/application in mind…and then to read IT back into the text is called an a priori argument. It is self-defeating…since you did not come to learn but to try to convince yourself of what you say you already believe. Therefore…you must attempt to approach the text “ignorantly.” This does not mean to be ignorant; rather, it is to say that we want to read the text with a clean slate…adn see where God leads us as we read it. [Now, time will not permit an exegesis of even one chapter, much less 3; however, that is not the purpose fo this forum anyway. This forum is a place to record my impressions as I spent time with God this morning. Here goes!]

• 7:4. You can’t walk on both sides of a fence. Either you live for the Law, or you live for Christ. You must choose. The same can be said for experiencing abundant life. You cannot live for yourself or according to the desires of the flesh AND experience the promise that comes from the One who is opposed to these things. We must choose…
• 7:8. The commandment is not the problem. My sin nature is the problem. As soon as you tell me to do/not to do something…my sin nature rebels. The problem is not the Law. As such, the cure for “what ails me” is not removal of the Law but a transfer of allegiance. Only by ENSLAVING myself to Christ, can I find freedom from the slavery to my sin nature. The commandment just brings this to the surface so I can deal with it. [So when someone says, "That's the Law...I don't have to (observe the Sabbath, Pray, tithe, do spiritual stuff)"...they are revealing exactly what the LAW was supposed to reveal...our own sin nature and need for Christ! Yes...in case you're just tuning in...I did just say that complaining about tithing is an indicator of a sin nature running wild! Eliminating the teachings on tithing doesn't fix it...they just let the ugly "sin nature" monster go back in its hole until an opportune time.] Jesus came to expose the sin nature monster…and crush it! Praise God!
• 7:15…Paul, like all saints…struggled with his own sin nature. The rest of us ought to admit that we are struggling too… Jus’ sayin’!
• 8:12…Every Christ-follower is UNDER OBLIGATION to deny living according to the flesh and embrace living according to the Spirit. We are ENSLAVED to the Holy Spirit. We are BONDSERVANTS of Christ.
• 8:15. Our relationship with God is not predicated on the fact that we serve as good “bondservants.” Ours is not a works based salvation; rather, our relationship with God (our righteousness/justification/hope in Christ) is based on the fact that God ADOPTED US and made us joint heirs with Christ. Our access is granted by family tree, not excellent performance.
• 9:2-3. Paul was deeply grieved for the lost. He wished himself separated from Christ if by doing so…the lost could be saved. (No greater love has anyone than this…but to lay down his life for his friends). I PRAY THAT GOD burns a passion like this in every heart of every believer and causes every heart of every believer to burn HOTTER than ever before for the glory of God…beginning with mine.

Proverbs 12:15 is the takeaway today. “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man is he who listens to counsel.”

Ni90: Romans 4-6, Proverbs 11

Most folks think that Salvation in the Christian life is too easy. They say that it is impossible that God would save with no strings attached; however, it is the no strings attached Salvation is truly Salvation by grace. (not that I advocate any other salvation, for there is no other than by grace.) Still, that Salvation by grace through faith always results in a labor of love toward the One who saves. It was true of Abraham (4:3), and throughout the experience of all believers.

This faith that saves is not a one shot deal. (Read carefully). It is an ongoing and persistent faith in God that grows and motivates our actions. It always results in a life change that reflects Christ in every respect 5:20-21). It is GRACE that is evident as reigning in our lives.

In fact, those who are saved, are continually dead to sin and living a new life in Christ (6:4, 8-9, 11).

Now it seems strange that some would assert that it is appropriate for one to be a Christian and yet to live a life that does not emulate or reflect Christ in any real regard. Such seems to be a life of such inconsistency, that it is irreconcilable in any logical form. This does not mean that a believer will not sin. The opposite is always true (1Jn 1:8). It does mean, however, that a believer does not leave room for an allowance of sin in his life (1 Jn 1:9). Ongoing sin is intolerable and intentional sin is inconsistent.

Proverbs 11:8 is the takeaway today. “The righteous is delivered from trouble, but the wicked takes his place.”

Ni90: Romans 1-3, Proverbs 10

Day 41! This book is slammed with deep theological truth and is worth whatever time you will devote to it…in pouring over the words, the concepts and the overarching theme.

Observations:

• 1:1. Paul’s calling to gospel proclamation was one of being set apart. This does not mean that he was a “vocational” pastor, nor does it preclude vocational pastors. It is a mindset…a position…a calling that says, “If I am a carpenter and am set apart…then I am a preacher who is also a carpenter.” The calling precedes everything. We provide credibility and experience power in our proclamation when we are set apart in our calling and committed to representing Christ well in whatever we do!
• 1:14. Paul’s freedom in Christ led him to obligation. He was obligated to the gospel because he was freed by it! (That is worth meditating on).
• 1:19-20. Every man and woman experiences the reality of the presence of God. It is seen in creation and is evident in the heart of every person…so that there are none without excuse. Each person will give an account for what he does with what he knows (2:6).
• 2:25…says that we are not believers because we bear the sign of the covenant. (insert church membership or baptism here). In fact, we demonstrate that we are not God’s people when we are not obedient to Him…even if we have received the sign of the covenant. In the same way, those who are obedient to Him, though they have not received the sign of the covenant, are His based on their obedience to the requirements of the Covenant. SO…catch this…you cannot argue that you are a believer if you are intentionally and willfully disobedient to Him who calls, saves, sanctifies, and glorifies. It just isn’t possible.
• How and why does God save? He takes those who are unworthy, and judges their sin in a substitute (Christ). Therefore, God is both JUST and the JUSTIFIER! (3:26).

WOW!!!!

Proverbs 10:5 is thew takeaway today. “He who gathers in summer is a son who acts wisely, but he who sleeps in harvest is a son who acts shamefully.” [Even if he professes to have faith that God will miraculously bless his son...though he were lazy!]

Take Two: Romans 16, Proverbs 23

Ch. 16 is the closing. I want to encourage you to actually read all the names and read it so as to hear what is said about each one. I probably did not need to tell you that…but I have sped through the names for years, because they did not mean much to me. However, they are included here…under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit…so we may gain from them.

In vv.1-2 we are introduced to Phoebe. These verses are sometimes used to say that we should have women serve as deacons (since the word “servant” is the Greek- diakonis: where we derive the transliteration “deacon” in the English). The translators were correct in not calling her a deaconness here. The term Deacon is a reference to an Office, and the Office is restricted to qualified men (1 Tim 3, et al.) Paul articulated the qualification of being male…so it is not consistent to say here that Paul changed that. While we as humans may make errors, God does not. To believe here that Paul is affirming women serving in the Office of Deacon, would be to say that the Scripture errs elsewhere. This cannot be so. Therefore, the translators were correct here. (I needed to get that out of the way…or else we might miss the point.)

In vv.1-16, many names appear. Paul lists each of these people by name for a reason. For the most part, you have never heard of these people…but they gained the attention of Paul (and the Holy Spirit) in such a way that they are included in the Scripture. What is the characteristic they all have in common?

They were all faithful servants/followers of Christ. They are not the only names that Paul knew…they were just unique in that their lives stood out enough to gain mention in the Bible. When I read this, I wonder: “Would my name ever appear? Have I lived an example worth noting and preserving for eternity?”

vv.17-20 is a warning from Paul to be aware of those in their midst who cause dissension. Paul says that they are not followers of Christ. These people will surface because the church at Rome had gained a reputation as being a committed people of God (v.19). Remember, Paul has never been here, so he does not know of these dissension-causing people personally…he only knows that they will come because God is at work in the church. We would do well to remember: Wherever God is at work, satan is not far behind trying to detour, distract, and defeat it. But: v.20, God will triumph.

Paul’s traveling party now get mentioned, including Timothy, Tertius (Paul’s secretary {v.22}) and others.

Vv. 25-27 contain the closing words of praise (doxology). Praise to the God who saves and uses the preaching and witness of men as an instrument of reconciliation!

Proverbs 23:4-5 is the takeaway today. “Do not weary yourself to gain wealth, cease from your consideration of it. When you set your eyes on it, it is gone. For wealth certainly makes itself wings like an eagle that flies toward the heavens.”

In this proverb, we are reminded to keep our priorities on the Lord. One who sets a goal to become satisfied with that which can never satisfy…is always disappointed. The writer is not saying to not be ambitious or hard-working; rather, he is saying to serve God and pursue Him over those things which fade away.