Christian Ambition

I was asked by a student the other day if ambition is a right thing for a Christian to have.  She was approaching a birthday and therefore reflecting (wisely) on who she was and what/where God might have her in 5 years time. It was interesting to hear her nervousness about expressing ambition or vision for her life because she sensed it was frowned upon by the Christian circles she was in.  No doubt her friends viewed ambition as being primarily pride focussed, success driven and selfish.  I told her that godly, Christian ambition is not only right, it is a necessity for growing Christians.  Here is why.

1. Philippians 2v13 states (which I was speaking on) that 'God works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure'.  The idea is this - as he works in us (and we work hard to work out our salvation) the things we want will become the things God wants.  His will works through us.  In other words, his will works out through our ambition.  Psalm 20v4 makes the same point - 'May he grant you your heart's desire and fulfil all your plans!'  This only works if our will is moulded by his.
2. Paul speaks of 'pressing on towards the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus' (Phil 3v16).  He has a goal, and so should we.  And it should be a goal that we press on, strain and put effort in to attain.  So often we are so content (a concept Paul speaks of - but in a totally different context!) with where we are that we have no ambition to 'live up to what we have already attained [in Christ]'
3. This ambition works both for out own lives (see above) and the lives of others (Colossians 1v28-29).  How about an ambition that is focussed on presenting others perfect in Christ - and working hard towards that end.
4. The real question is, what am I motivated by.  God is absolutely concerned with the people we are.  His intention is that we 'shine like stars in the universe as we hold out (on to) the word of truth'  (Phil 2v15) If I am also motivated by this concern then ambition is a powerful godly tool to be encouraged, nurtured and engaged with.  The problem with ambition is when our ambitions are less than God's (nice house, decent car, visit Oz etc)

Lets be active in nurturing ambition and vision for our lives, ambition that is godly and Christ centred.  It will lead to joy and rejoicing.

So, what is your ambition?