HAVING A GOSPEL AMBITION

‘I make it my ambition to preach the gospel, not where Christ has already been named, lest I build on someone else’s foundation, but as it is written, “Those who have never been told of him will see, and those who have never heard will understand.”’ (Romans 15:20-21 ESV).

The apostle Paul had a gospel ambition. His great desire was to preach Christ to people who had never heard the good news. Quoting Isaiah 52:15 as his biblical basis, he sought to tell those who have never been told to “see” and to “understand” the gospel.

The dictionary defines “ambition” as “a strong desire to do or to achieve something, typically requiring determination and hard work.” That certainly describes Paul’s life. Indeed, he gave his life for the sake of the gospel.

What’s your ambition? What do you have a strong desire to do or to achieve? What are you willing and determined to work hard for, to sacrifice for, to even lay your life down for? What’s your life’s ambition?

As followers of Christ Jesus, let us examine our hearts in this. Let us decide with Paul to make it our life’s ambition to proclaim the gospel to everyone until they all see and understand the good news that Jesus saves.

PRAYER: Dear Father you have asked in Your Word, “Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy?” (Isa. 55:2). And we must confess that we are often distracted by worldly ambitions. We pursue things that have no eternal value. Forgive us. Fill us afresh with Your Spirit. Give us a gospel ambition. In Jesus’ name, amen.