Ambition

In a world that is infected with a "Look at me!" philosophy, I find the following Scripture to be incredibly challenging and convicting. Paul urges the believers in Thessalonica to live to please God, not man. 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 reads, "Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody."

This Scripture advises us to refrain from presenting social problems, to abstain from generating conflict among others. As women who profess faith in Jesus Christ, we must make every effort to present ourselves in such a way that reflects His heart and humility in times of conflict. As the above passage implores, we want to win the respect of unbelievers, for the sake of Christ.

This is a difficult feat, no doubt about it. At times, we find ourselves amidst conflict, and if I dare say "drama," without even knowing how we got there. Other times, we know darn well how we got there. I believe that as women of God, our aim is to conduct ourselves in a manner that is presented and outlined clearly through Scripture. It's about time we stopped attaching actions and decisions to the Name of God, when they blatantly go against every fiber of Truth. I pray that as a whole, we as women, would begin to desire to see others lifted up and encouraged, not torn down and defeated.

So, what do you say? Are you up for being ambitious today? Let's mind our own business. Let's lead a quiet life today. All for the glory of God. I guarantee that if we do this, we will begin to consider others better than ourselves.

"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves." (Philippians 2:3)