Discerning the voice of God from one’s own ambition is a challenge. However, it doesn’t need to be. Grabbing hold of God’s will for your life is neither a mystical nor aimless pursuit. Ambition, when the true motives behind it are checked against selfishness, is a godly pursuit. Humans were given the mandate to be “fruitful and multiply,” to subdue the earth (Genesis 1:28). Later, Christ told his followers to “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation” (Mark 16:15). As Christians – and as humans – we’ve not been given the charge to pause until we figure out what God has in store. He commanded us to go, to make things happen! Ambition is a good thing.
Desiring to do God’s will requires action on our part. Is your heart set on seeking Christ? Good. Keep your motivation in check against selfishness. Invite others in who are able to call out the good and hold you to account when you get off track. And keep an open heart and mind when you read Scripture – allow it to judge your thoughts and your attitude (Hebrews 4:12). Then get moving because the world needs you! Trust your ambition.
