ambition vs. aspiration Published week of SEPTEMBER 20, 2020
In fields of science, workmanship, and writing, maybe there is no more prominent honor than the Nobel Prize. Numerous well known names have been granted a Nobel, including one of the first prizes that went to Marie Curie in 1903, for her work in recognizing radioactivity. One thing is normal among Nobel victors, something that isolates them from numerous others in their particular fields. They have ambition. They have a reliable inside drive whereby they work more earnestly to go further and accomplish more so as to push their field ahead. Throughout everyday life, ambition, or, "a relentless progress toward honor, acknowledgment, and advancement," is generally viewed as a positive characteristic. Frequently, to be ambitious isn't to accomplish above all else for the undertaking itself, but instead for separating ourselves from others. Can an individual be driven in their field, and furthermore be a dedicated follower of Jesus?
The Word of God shows that ambition is definitely not a trademark that Jesus needs us to seek after. In the gospel of Matthew, He lets us know in our work and in our lives, to pursue first God's Kingdom. This is an immediate command to place the will of God and His realm over those things that we may actually want.
There is a distinction between ambition—seeking after glory in our accomplishments—and aspiration. As a rule, ambition is more self-driven and self-centered. We ought to seek to be the individual God wants us to be. The pioneer in God's Kingdom isn't the person who endeavors to lead, rather he is the one who endeavors to serve, and in modesty tries to be more consistently like Jesus. What do you look for first? Is it a desire in your own life that will result in acceptance and bring you more prominence.? Or on the other hand, do you seek to be more similar to Jesus in your life through activities and exercises that at last bring glory not to you but to Him?
God, thank You for my gifts and talents. Remind me that all You have given me is for Your glory. Help me to live so that I seek to be more like Jesus in all manners consistently. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
