Rescuing Ambition — 8/29/2024 10:00 AM

Notes

Rescuing Ambition: Pursuing the Glory of God

Ambition is often a hot topic in Christian circles. Some see it as a necessary drive for progress, while others fear it may lead us to put other things before God. Yet, ambition is not inherently wrong — it is how we channel it that matters. In John 12:36–43, we find two contrasting responses to Jesus’ resurrection: one group remained unmoved, while another believed but hesitated to confess their faith due to fear of the Pharisees. Their fear reveals a deeper issue: a desire for human glory overshadowing the glory of God.

The Struggle with Glory

The crux of this passage is the tension between seeking human praise and honoring God. The believers in John 12 were reluctant to stand up for Jesus because they valued the approval of men more than the approval of God. This fear was rooted in their desire for glory — esteem, honor, and respect from others. We all naturally seek glory. Romans 2:6–8 highlights that there are two paths in this pursuit: one leads to wrath and the other to eternal life. The key is not that we never seek glory but where we seek it. God does not oppose our pursuit of glory; He redirects it. Our focus should be on the glory that comes from Him, not from human sources.

Embracing Godly Ambition

True ambition aligns with God’s glory and seeks to reflect His greatness. Jesus is the embodiment of God’s glory. In valuing Him more than anything else, we demonstrate that our ambitions are centered on eternal rather than temporal rewards. Jesus came to us in glory, and our highest aspiration should be to live in a way that honors Him. Paul’s ambition, as described in Romans 15:19–20, is a powerful example. He did not settle for what had already been achieved but relentlessly pursued spreading the Gospel to new regions. Paul’s ambition was not self-serving but aimed at glorifying God. He shows us that ambition and humility can coexist. G.K. Chesterton wisely said, “The old humility was the spur that prevented the man from stopping, not the nail in his boot that prevented him from going on.” Ambition, when rightly oriented, can be a powerful force for good. It’s not about abandoning our ambitions but rescuing them from self-serving pursuits and redirecting them toward God’s glory. As we seek to glorify God in all we do, let us be inspired by Jesus’ example and Paul’s dedication. May our ambitions reflect our deepest desire to honor the One who is truly worthy of all glory.