Is ambition wrong? Is it wrong to be driven or to push to be the best? It can be. The difference between right and wrong ambition is in our goal and motivation—whether it’s for God’s glory or our own.

In 1 Thessalonians 4:1, Paul tells us that Christians are to live lives “to please God”. Our transformation into people who want to live to please God may well be full of stuttering steps and false starts. However, we are to pursue God’s goals and not selfish ones.

So no matter what duty is asked of us, we can ask: “How will that assignment help me serve others and glorify God?” When our ambition is focused on God, we will always seek to please Him and others, always asking how He has gifted us and wants to use us.

Paul suggests we work with “sincerity of heart, fearing God” (Col. 3:22). Whatever we’re doing—in training camps, another country or wherever we’re working—we’re to serve as if doing it for God (vv.23-24).

We enjoy and glorify Him most when we work with fervour for Him and the service of others, not self-service and personal gain—because He deserves our all.

Author

Randy Kilgore

Topics

Our Daily Bread