My ambition has always been… – Part 1

If you are asked what your ambition is, what will your normal response be? Everyone in life I believe has an ambition, and ambitions vary from person to person and from family to family. I recall a time when I was asked about my ambition, and if I recall, I talked about the things I wanted to do and achieve without any reference or consideration about what the Lord had planned for me, in other words a self centred and driven ambition, but I can say today with boldness and by Gods grace; my ambition is rooted in this powerful verse of scripture “The one thing I want from God, the thing I seek most of all, is the privilege of meditating in His Temple, living in His presence every day of my life, delighting in His incomparable perfections and glory.” Read Psalm 27:4 (TLB).

I want to add this caveat, there is nothing wrong with having an ambition, not at all, and whatever the ambition, I believe it should impact humanity in such a way it draws people to the gospel of grace; because we were all saved by His grace through faith.” Read Ephesians 2:8-9 (AMP).

The term ambition defined by Merriam-Webster “Eager desire for personal advancement.” I particularly like the word ‘eager‘ which connotes a sense of passion, earnestness and conviction. Watch this, you become what you are pursuing, Selah. So let us see what the Bible says, “It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known, so that I would not be building on someone else’s foundation.” Read Romans 15:20 (NIV). I believe Paul’s statement sums up the one and true ambition of anyone who is in Christ – PREACH THE GOSPEL.

When Paul left Athens for Corinth, he met Aquila and Priscilla who were tentmakers, hence he stayed and worked with them, in other words some sort of partnership was established. Read Acts 18:1-4 (CEV). Here we see Paul had a job, but what really caught my attention was his passion for missionary work, a prophet, preacher, writer and tentmaker. From the list, we can see where Paul’s passion and ambition was centred upon. I believe Paul again was demonstrating the need to work whilst still being passionate about PREACHING THE GOSPEL.

What I am doing is laying a foundation for further discussion into getting us to think carefully about the sort of ambition we have in life? Is your ambition a self seeking one, or is your ambition in synchronisation with God’s plan for you? This is a question you and I must find an answer to. I recently mentioned to a friend that this was not a time for us to be self seeking; that our ambitions should be more than just wanting the good things and comfort in this life, yes the Lord has given us everything that pertain to life and godliness, but there is much more.

Remember the Bible says, “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work. Read 2 Timothy 3:16 (NASB). I encourage you to read through Romans 15:14-20 in context, and let it challenge you to take a fresh look and shape your ambition.

We write. You read. Be encouraged.