24 Bible Verses about Ambition, positive aspects of

Blessed are they which hunger and thirst for righteousness: for they shall be filled.

Brethren, I count not myself that I have gotten it: but one thing I say: I forget that which is behind me, and stretch myself unto that which is before me; and press unto that mark appointed, to obtain the reward of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

in knowing him, and the virtue of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his passions, that I might be conformable unto his death,

that I should fulfill thy will, O my God. I am content to do it; yea, thy law is within my heart."

"Strive with yourselves to enter in at the strait gate: For many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.

Wherein I also labour and strive, even as far forth as his working worketh in me mightily.

and that ye study to be quiet, and to meddle with your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you:

Study to show thyself laudable unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, dividing the word of truth justly.

Wherefore let us also - seeing that we are compassed with so great a multitude of witnesses - lay away all that presseth down, and the sin that hangeth on us, and let us run with patience, unto the battle that is set before us,

and as newborn babes desire that reasonable milk which is without corruption, that ye may be grown therein.

Wherefore, dearly beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot and undefiled:

Even so ye - forasmuch as ye covet spiritual gifts - seek that ye may have plenty unto the edifying of the congregation.

And it pleased the LORD well, that Solomon had desired this thing. Wherefore God said unto him, "Because thou hast asked this thing and hast not asked long life, neither hast asked riches, nor the lives of thine enemies, but hast asked the discretion to understand equity: see, I have done according to thy petition. And behold, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart, so that there was none like thee before, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee.read more.
And thereto I have given thee that thou askedst not, both riches and honour: so that there shall be no king like thee all thy days. And if thou wilt walk in my ways, to keep mine ordinances and commandments as David thy father did walk, I will lengthen thy days also."

Then God said to Solomon, "Because thou hadst this in thine heart, and didst not ask treasure and riches, and honour and the lives of thine enemies, neither yet long life; But hast asked wisdom and knowledge, to judge my people, over which I have made thee king: wisdom and knowledge shall be given thee, and I will give thee treasure, riches, and glory also, that among the kings before thee or after thee, none was or shall be like thee."

Covet after the best gifts. And yet show I unto you a more excellent way.

This is a true saying: If a man covet the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.

One thing have I desired of the LORD, which I will require, even that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the fair beauty of the LORD, and to visit his temple.

Whom have I in heaven but thee? There is nothing upon earth, that I desire in comparison of thee.

So have I enforced myself to preach the gospel: not where Christ was named, lest I should have built on another man's foundation,

In that I preach the gospel, I have nothing to rejoice of. For necessity is put unto me. Woe is it unto me if I preach not the gospel.

Some there are which preach Christ of envy and strife, and some of goodwill. The one part preacheth Christ of strife, and not purely, supposing to add more adversity to my bonds. The other part of love, because they see that I am set to defend the gospel.read more.
What then? So that Christ be preached all manner ways, whether it be by occasion, or of true meaning, I therein joy: Yea and will joy.

Perceive ye not how that they which run in a course, run all, yet but one receiveth the reward? So run that ye may obtain. Every man that proveth masteries abstaineth from all things. And they do it to obtain a corruptible crown: but we to obtain an uncorruptible crown. I therefore so run, not as at an uncertain thing. So fight I, not as one that beateth the air:read more.
but I tame my body and bring it into subjection, lest after that I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

From henceforth is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord that is a righteous judge shall give me at that day: not to me only: but unto all them that love his coming.

Cast not away, therefore, your confidence; which hath great reward to recompense. For ye have need of patience, that after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.