Ambition

“For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world.” -1 John 2:16

“Ambition” is a great word. It means having a strong desire and determination to succeed.

Are you ambitious about what God has called you to do? I’m not talking about your desires and the things you want to do, but are you ambitious about what God wants you to do?

Being ambitious is not wrong; it’s what we esteem or honor that can be a problem. The Bible teaches that we should be ambitious to be accepted by Christ, not by the world. The worldly sense of ambition is based on having more than someone else. Its motto is “he with the most toys wins,” striving to be number one (Luke 9:25). The world teaches us to go all out to be the best, to have the higher score, to have a bigger house, a fancier car, a larger paycheck, but the Bible teaches us the opposite of that (Philippians 2:3). Understand that your identity and self-worth should not be in your own accomplishments, but in the forgiveness of sins and In Christ Alone.

Charles Stanley said this: “In good times and bad times, on mediocre days and exhilarating days, in periods of joy and periods of heavy toil, our stance before the Lord must be, 'Heavenly Father, you’re in charge. I have no success other than what You help me achieve. I trust You to order my steps.' ”

So should we be ambitious? Let me ask you in this way: “Are you trying to win the approval God? (Galatians 1:10)  It may not look important to others, but if God called you to do something, you should pursue it with a passionate intensity and enthusiasm to be and do all God wants you to do. Keeping your focus on God because He is what motivates us to do and be more for His glory, no matter what it looks like to others. God has put us in our situations in life to do our best with the gifts He has given us, not to see us get ahead in the workplace or classroom, but how to use our lives for service to God and our neighbor.  The world might not see you as ambitious if you are not chasing the dream looking for worldly rewards God has something better than that. God has given you the opportunity to do something of real lasting value that will lead to eternal rewards.

Do you want your life to really make a difference?  Make a decision to be a life-changer. Be a world-changer by loving and doing good to help others. God sees and knows all you do. He has ambitions for you. While it may not seem much to the world, all you do will pay off because of God’s eternal view. We know that this world won’t last forever. Don’t focus on personal gain in life. Set your ambition on doing God’s word. Stop letting worldly desires shape or direct your life. Set your life fully apart for God and be obedient to Him. Your life will be purified! Have a Holy Ambition! Attempt great things for God.

Do the work God has given you to do and focus your heart and mind on Him. Not to is a sin.  If it is your ambition to seek and honor Christ, you can rest assured of His promise: “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you” - Matthew 6:33

Father God, I want to be ambitious and aim high in all that you ask me to do. I don’t desire the things the world has to offer. I just want to be a vessel that pleases you.  Place a fire in me Lord.  I want to go to greater heights with You. In Your Name I pray, Amen.

Colossians 3:17: “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus with great ambition, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (emphasis mine)