What is Holy Ambition?

By Pastor Wendall Ward

First, Holy Ambition is Focused on Our Walk With God

Many people don’t associate ambition with holy things. Most see it as more of a selfish desire to succeed. First, ambition is a holy thing when it reflects the noble aspirations of the soul. Holy ambition’s aim is to “live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way.” The Bible tells us the story of Esau who dishonored his inheritance for the immediate satisfaction of a meal. (See Genesis 25:31-34; Hebrews 12:14-17). Indeed, believers should take this story to heart so that we learn to choose wisely in our own walk with God.

Second, Get Ready for the Test

Just like other areas of our faith walk, this will require patience and perseverance. Given that, our holy ambition will be tested! As Esau’s belly growled with hunger, his nostrils filled with the pleasant aroma of Jacob’s stew and his desire for immediate satisfaction overcame his better judgement. In this moment he revealed his true heart. Because Esau did not honor the profound nature of his inheritance , he ignored the permanent consequences of his hunger driven choice. Rather, the Bible says, “So Esau despised his inheritance.”

Third, Holy Ambition Discerns the Difference

Holy Ambition is discerning. As the people of God, we will encounter similar moments like Esau. Each generation and every believer will, at some point, face the inevitable challenge of discerning the difference. We will have to choose between the savory offerings of the world or a life of obedience to Christ. The first choice has its promise of immediate satisfaction and compromise. The latter has the promise of an “inheritance that will never perish, spoil or fade.” In that moment we each have to choose to serve God’s purpose or our own.

Finally, It Sees the End from the Beginning

In the end, holy ambition is about aiming for a life that pleases the Lord and seeing the goal from the beginning. Unlike Esau who gave up his birthright for a quick meal, we must develop our discipline. Then exercising our holy ambition is how we resist the temptation of short-term satisfaction. Thereby developing our faith in the long-term spiritual rewards promised through our obedience to Christ. We take stock in promises in His Word. 

We have many reasons to strengthen our Holy Ambition. Here is a song that encourages me to live with the long- term goals in front of me. 10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord) – Matt Redman (Best Worship Song Ever) (with Lyrics)