Well, we have begun the new school year. Lord, watch over me. May I be a child who reflects his Father. I pray that You will shine through my words and actions. Amen.

Romans 15:14-22 (<<click here to read the passage)

If I were to ask what a pastor’s job entails, I imagine it would be easy to assemble an exhaustive list. I’m not even going to try and list them. I know there are areas where I don’t measure up to people’s expectations. I strive to do better but when all is said and done, ultimately it is not my job to please people, but to please and honor God.

The Apostle Paul hits the nail on the head when he states regarding his ministry to the Gentiles, which is in essence what all ministers – past and present – are doing, in verse 16,

I minister as a priest the gospel of God, in order that my offering of the Gentiles may become acceptable [to Him], sanctified [made holy and set apart for His purpose] by the Holy Spirit. AMP

Pastors must endeavor to bring their “flock” to the point where they embrace holiness – where they are driven to draw closer and closer to God, becoming sanctified [made holy and set apart for His purpose] by the Holy Spirit.

That alone is what I will be held responsible for…that and making sure that I am drawing closer to God, and being set apart, as well.

In verse 20 Paul speaks of his “ambition”. My Life Application Study Bible states, “Ambition can be a difficult topic for Christians because we see so many bad examples of ambitious people who claw their way to the top.”

But reading through the writings of Paul it is clear that he puts no stock in climbing the ladder by means of tromping on those he considers beneath him. He is a follower of Christ who leads by example. Instead of looking out for himself and working hard for personal advancement, he was ambitious to serve God. His goal was to advance God’s Kingdom. He diligently labored – with literal blood, sweat, and tears – to bring others into an active – living – life in Christ. It was a striving, as he said to make them an offering wholly acceptable to God, sanctified [made holy and set apart for His purpose] by the Holy Spirit.

Paul didn’t just preach it, he lived it. His life radiated Christ…as should ours.

Are you ambitious for God? Do you want, more than anything else, to please Him and to do his will? Then do as Paul and all true followers of Christ have done and continue to do – ask God for “holy ambition.”

Sept 5th, 2023, Tues, 12:56 pm