One Ambition
Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” ––Matthew 16:24
In today’s post-modern world our determination and faith fly in the face of a culture that makes feelings and personal beliefs the only true indicators of right and wrong. Today, we are told by the culture that only bigots, terrorists, or political extremists hold to strong beliefs.
But by the very fact that we have a single-minded goal in promoting Jesus, it immediately makes us stand out against our relativistic culture. Don’t be afraid of that—embrace it. Not in your power, but in God’s. We take the posture of Moses who told God he could not speak with eloquence. So what did God do? Scold him? Turn him away? He gave him Aaron—a brother like no other.
Our unflagging commitment is exactly why we thrive in this age and will be successful wherever we land: our ambitions, focus, and single-minded faith in the Great Commission and the Greatest Commandment come from a grace awakening, not a brainwashing. I want you to stay strong in grace because what saved you will also sustain you as you embark on a pathway of leadership and service to God.
There is a long tradition of God’s leaders encouraging God’s men to live out God’s purposes single-mindedly. Jesus told His men of His upcoming suffering at the cross and then used that reality to motivate them. He was honest and clear. Each disciple would have to reject other pursuits, carry the responsibility of a God’s man, and follow Him loyally to the end. He modeled how to call men to a mission. The call to the multitudes was different than the charge to His men.
As seen in his two letters to his protégé, Timothy, Paul’s style and approach was equally bold with Timothy in his charge. Paul knew he had just dropped a bomb on Timothy that would require some heavy reflection. “Pause,” he advised. “Think deeply and continuously on what I have just said.” This is big. Timothy was going to have to take on a single identity, passion, and goal. He would have to train hard, work hard, and focus on results. God has much to give a man of God. Accept it.
Father, I’m Your man, I’m Your leader, I’m Your God’s man.