Who or What Is in the Heart of Your Ambition?

Ambition has been the driving force behind every great achievement since God created us. Listen to his command: “Be fruitful and increase in numbers, fill the earth and subdue it.” Ambition is blessed by God when its purpose and goal benefit everyone. Yet reality testifies that ambition is not always in compliance with God’s purpose.

Temptation will wait for ambition’s vulnerable moment and present itself through a person or inanimate object. Enticement often originates in the heart and mind, where vulnerability is continuously present.

Before becoming discouraged, listen to the hope provided in God’s word. Although we are inclined to permit ambition to entrap us in sin, by God’s grace he forgives and cleans us from all unrighteousness. By God’s power, temptation doesn’t have the final word. God has the final word, so dedicate the object of your ambition completely to Christ Jesus and to serving him with all your heart.  

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I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people.

~Ephesians 1:17-18 New International Version

 

His peace will keep your thoughts and your hearts quiet and at rest as you trust in Christ Jesus.

~Philippians 4:7 The Living Bible

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The Destiny of Hope

The majority of human beings are capable of possessing hope. Even though it plays an incredible role in life, we seldom give it much thought. Failing to possess hope implies life has become so troubled and chaotic that all faith for a good future appears to have evaporated. But where does hope stem from and how do we get it?

The apostle Paul instructs us to do what seems impossible.“We rejoice in suffering because we know suffering builds perseverance, which shapes our character, so therefore hope is created. Our hope does not disappoint us because God pours into our hearts his love by the Holy Spirit."

By this progression we have suffering and perseverance, which build character and hope. Character’s foundation is made of strong values and ethics, encased in patience and kindness along with love for God and his people, which produce the attribute of hope. The Holy Spirit helps us understand and accept that hope is our destiny which is given by Christ Jesus.  

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Rest in God alone, my soul, for my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I will not be shaken.

~Psalm 62:5-6 Holman Christian Standard Bible

 

And the Scriptures were written to teach and encourage us by giving us hope.

~Romans 15:4 Contemporary English Version

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