18 Bible verses about ambition and using your unique gifts

April 1, 2024
Standing on ambition rock

There is a myth that the Bible and ambition don’t align. This is inherently false.

The Bible doesn’t discourage ambition. Instead, it offers guidance into the motivations that drive our ambitions.

God has created each individual with personalized drives, talents and aspirations for a reason—to be used!

While it is not wrong to be ambitious, scripture calls us to ask the question: What drives your ambition? The Bible emphasizes that the root of our ambition should extend beyond ourselves and our self-centered motives. As written in Philippians 2:3, Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.”

Here are 18 motivational Bible verses about ambition that prove we should not neglect our ambitions, but we should direct them with purpose and listen to the unique call of God.

We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith;
Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands!
Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.
Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.
But you, take courage! Do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded. 
You will eat the fruit of the labor of your hands; you shall be blessed, and it shall be well with you.
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Then the Lord said to Moses, “See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills— to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of crafts. Moreover, I have appointed Oholiab son of Ahisamak, of the tribe of Dan, to help him. Also I have given ability to all the skilled workers to make everything I have commanded you:
He has filled them with skill to do all kinds of work as engravers, designers, embroiderers in blue, purple and scarlet yarn and fine linen, and weavers—all of them skilled workers and designers.
Do you see someone skilled in their work? They will serve before kings; they will not serve before officials of low rank.
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you.
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
As for these four youths, God gave them learning and skill in all literature and wisdom, and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.
You have an abundance of workmen: stonecutters, masons, carpenters, and all kinds of craftsmen without number, skilled in working gold, silver, bronze, and iron. Arise and work! The Lord be with you!”
But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor.
But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor.

Thea

Currently has 44 tabs opened on four different windows, 808 unread text messages and 77,734 unread emails (on a spam account if that makes it better). That is what she means when she says she likes to “disconnect” from the internet--she ignores the world!! She has moved five times in the last five years.
Chaotic energy aside, she has positive traits, however, they are not listed here.

1 Comment

  1. I really appreciated your analysis of what the Bible says about ambition and then you followed with scripture that supports that.

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