What kind of ambition does God want me to have?

Psalm 27:4The one thing I ask of the Lord—the thing I seek most—is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, delighting in the Lord’s perfections and meditating in his Temple.

A strong, vital relationship with God is the highest ambition. This is something we can pursue without reservation.

Matthew 5:6, 9“God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied. . . . God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.”

Matthew 28:19-20“Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, . . . Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you.”

1 Corinthians 14:1Let love be your highest goal!

Being a loving person, working toward justice and peace in the world, and bringing people into fellowship with God are ambitions worthy of our time and energy. They all can leave an eternal impact.

Romans 15:20My ambition has always been to preach the Good News where the name of Christ has never been heard, rather than where a church has already been started by someone else.

Paul demonstrated a “holy ambition” to do great things for God. A holy ambition is rooted in the will and service of God—a cause so large only God can fully accomplish it. But this cause can degenerate into a selfish pursuit unless it is continually re-aligned to God’s plan and energized by the Holy Spirit. Unholy ambition uses God to advance our own reputation and our own goals. Holy ambition, however, means we offer ourselves to be used by God to advance his reputation and cause.

1 Thessalonians 4:11-12Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business . . . Then people who are not believers will respect the way you live, and you will not need to depend on others.

A fundamental ambition or desire in life is to provide for ourselves so others will respect us as Christ’s followers and we will not be a burden to others.