What is your greatest ambition?
Success in business? Certainly, work is a noble thing, lauded in Scripture (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12). Authority through leadership? That too is an upright ambition, when harnessed by personal accountability (Romans 12:8). Other “greater and lesser” ambitions abound, such as fame, amusements, leisure, sports or lifestyles.
Paul cuts through the fog of greater/lesser ambitions, showing the main thing for him, and the redeemed:
Therefore we also have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. 2 Corinthians 5:9-10
Over my 35 years in ministry, I have seen countless slow fades of individuals or families. Another ambition—work, athletics, education, “good times,” affluence—replaced the First Love. One thing never contemplated was the question, “And then, what?”
A very popular ball player averaged half-a-million dollars per game, just in salary. That’s a lot of money to live large with. The player suddenly died. And then, what?
A rising star and supporting family poured everything into the career. There was “pro potential.” A routine doctor’s visit revealed that life would instead be short. And then, what?
A couple burned 24/7, raggedly providing endless activity for their children. Now the kids are more distant to the things of Christ than even the parents are. And then, what?
I offer two portions of Scripture to meditate upon:
Luke 10:38-42 Don’t miss Jesus in the room.
Luke 12:13-21 There is reward or loss in the reveal of our greatest priority; God determines the when.
I pray you are resolute to live out the true great ambition. God has revealed the “And then, what” answer for those who desire to please Him. That recompense is eternally rewarding, and will not fade away.
Cornerstone Community Church 