Tag Archives: ambition

March 30
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“Therefore we also have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him.”  (2 Corinthians 5:9, NASB)

We frequently here the word “passion,” or its derivative, “passionate,” to describe the drive, energy, and the focus that someone brings to an activity.  It is meant to be a compliment, but when we are driven for the wrong reasons; or focused on the wrong things, it is anything but complimentary.

As disciples of Jesus, our passion is to be pleasing to God.  All other interests are subordinate; and all other invitations for our time, talent, and treasure are subject to — and informed by — this singular, supreme, objective.

To “have as our ambition. . .to be pleasing to Him,” is to succeed at all else, because all else is affected by this one thing!  – Luther

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January 22
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“Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.”  (Romans 14:19, NIV)

Is your and my ambition to do the things that lead to peace?  In our interactions with others, do we aspire to build-up the other as we seek to become better ourselves?

These are simple tasks, and within reach of each one of us.  Through obedience to God in these two things, we can change — for good — the nature of our personal relationships, our business relationships; and the atmosphere in our homes, churches, and schools.  – Luther

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May 16
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“’My food,’ said Jesus, ‘is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.'” (John 4:34, NIV)

As we’ve been told before: We need to be careful of what we eat. Over time, what we consume eventually consumes us.

Jesus said that His “food” was: (1) To do the will of His Father; and (2) To finish His work.

What is it that energizes you? What is it that were you to have to do without, you would die? By definition, this is our “food.”

As followers of Jesus, we should have the exact motivation that He did. To hunger for anything else assures spiritual malnutrition and the risk of being consumed by unworthy ambitions.

In Matthew 6:33, Jesus tells us to “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these [other] things [we so eagerly seek, including literal food] will be added [provided] to us.” (Note: Bracketed words are my amplifications.)  – Luther

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