Ambition--a Double-Edged Sword

Ambition.  We all need it to some extent because without it very little would be accomplished.   However, for all the good ambition can bring, it can also develop into a deadly trap.  Ambition can drive us to achieve the impossible, or it can completely destroy us and those around us.  Lee Strobel's novel takes a hard look at both the positive and negative effects of ambition.

Before I discuss Strobel's novel, his first, let me say that I was a bit skeptical.  I've read many of Strobel's other nonfiction works such as The Case for Christ, The Case for Creation, and The Case for Faith, just to name a few.  I'm a Lee Strobel fan.  His nonfiction writing is deep, and, quite frankly, not an easy read because it's so packed with research.  It's fascinating.  Strobel was an atheist who set out to prove Christ was a myth and ending up encountering Jesus!  His book The Case for Christ, outlines his journey to salvation. 

I've actually put off reading the novel because I fell into the trap of stereotyping an author.  I knew I enjoyed reading his nonfiction work but wondered if he would be able to hold my attention with a novel.  He did!  This novel is a page-turner!  My advice is to allow yourself plenty of reading time when you begin because you're not going to want to put it down.

The novel follows the pastor of a modern-day mega-church who is being pushed toward politics.  In this respect, it's a great read for those going into the ministry because the novel illustrates what can happen when pastors, who begin with a heart for ministry and people, become side-tracked by ambition and power.  One of the interesting aspects of the novel, and one that I believe increases the novel's versimilitude, is the fact that not everything turns out perfectly for everyone.  Strobel takes ambition, shows its corruptive power, but also shows how even those who become lost in it can experience restoration.  Not all the novel's characters are Christians; one of the main characters is an investigative reporter who is an atheist and sets out to "expose" the mega-church when is live-in girlfriend accepts Christ and moves out.  Given that the novel is set in Chicago, there is, of course, mob involvement. 

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel and recommend it for everyone.  I hesitate to include too many details of the plot because I don't want to spoil the read for anyone.  There are many lessons to be learned for everyone in this novel.  This is a novel you definitely want to put at the top of your reading list!