AMBITION

What is ambition? This thought came to me randomly as I was drinking my morning coffee and about to study in my Bible. Jokingly said to myself “I’m drinking my cup of ambition”

But something in me (Holy Spirit) caused me to stop and think about what I’d just said to myself.

It didn’t set right although it seemed innocent enough.

Let’s start with the definition of ambition: an intense drive for success or power; a desire to achieve honor, wealth or fame.

Uht ohhh… that’s not even what I was thinking about but ambition came to my mind anyway so was I thinking about it subconsciously?

Lord, forgive me for being careless with my words and the direction of my thoughts.

Have I inadvertently trained my thoughts to desire for myself to be better than someone else, to have bigger and better than the next person?

I am embarrassed for myself if that’s the true case! These worldly possessions don’t bring happiness, they don’t make me better and they sure don’t get me to heaven!

Then I pondered the word for a few mins. I am SO THANKFUL that the Lord knows the intentions of my heart!!!!

Is ambition bad?

It sure can be…. But it can also be good! It’s all according to how you allow ambition to be activated.

Then I had to look up and see how ambition is used in scripture.

I’m thankful for the ambition (the drive) I have to want to know God’s version.

See there!!!! Ambition is not always bad!

PRAISE THE LORD!

1 Thessalonians 4:11 And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you; (KJV)

So…. God expects us to direct our ambition to working hard for ourselves but it WILL ALWAYS be for His glory and if it’s not then we need to self check and realign!

Philippians 2:3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. (KJV)

Our ambition should always be that we strive wholeheartedly with everything we have to be pleasing to the Lord in our thoughts, deeds and actions.

I like the amplified commentary for Philippians 2:3 Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit [through factional motives, or strife], but with [an attitude of] humility [being neither arrogant nor self-righteous], regard others as more important than yourselves. (AMP)

We all have the same potential to do right. We all have the same potential to be humble and not arrogant or self righteous. After all…. Romans 3:10 Tells us that as it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:

I found the Greek meaning of the word ambition: “to esteem as an honor”

So… being ambitious by itself is not necessarily wrong but it’s what we desire or what we “esteem or honor” that can be the problem. What we esteem and honor must point ourselves to Christ and in return will example that to others watching…. And we are ALWAYS being watched by others. How are you doing in that area? 🤔

Self check… how am I doing in that area?

Am I honoring God with my ambition? Am I motivated and self driven to want to learn more about Jesus and to live it out by example?

That is my greatest desire!!!

Do I fail? Unfortunately sometimes.

When I do… I also have ambition to make things right with the Lord. Holy Spirit conviction that comes quickly to my heart.

God knows my desire is to be ambitious for Him and He blesses me with a quick spirit of conviction in situations. Conviction can be uncomfortable but I am so thankful for it!

Galatians 1:10 For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ. (KJV)

Oh man… read that again….here’s the amplified commentary version:

Galatians 1:10 Am I now trying to win the favor [and] approval of men, or of God? Or am I seeking to please someone? If I were still trying to be popular with men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ. (AMP)

How are YOU serving Christ?

Are you serving with your whole heart? Body, mind and spirit?

Are your ambitions for self righteous reasons or are they God honoring?

Lots of self evaluation questions to be looked at. I had to do the same thing. It’s what prompted me to write.

Lord, let us have a sincere and a deep hunger and thirst for YOUR righteousness so that when we are full of You that we are satisfied and content. Not demonstrating ambition that lifts ourselves up for vain glory but that our ambition would be to honor and glorify You in all things that we think, do and say. Draw us close to You Lord and let us strive to be about Your kingdom work. Let our ambition be to seek your kingdom for righteousness sake so that we can have eternal life with You.

In Jesus name I pray… amen