24 Bible Verses about Ambition, positive aspects of

"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.

Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself to have attained this. Instead I am single-minded: Forgetting the things that are behind and reaching out for the things that are ahead, with this goal in mind, I strive toward the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

My aim is to know him, to experience the power of his resurrection, to share in his sufferings, and to be like him in his death,

I want to do what pleases you, my God. Your law dominates my thoughts."

"Exert every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to.

Toward this goal I also labor, struggling according to his power that powerfully works in me.

to aspire to lead a quiet life, to attend to your own business, and to work with your hands, as we commanded you.

Make every effort to present yourself before God as a proven worker who does not need to be ashamed, teaching the message of truth accurately.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, we must get rid of every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and run with endurance the race set out for us,

And yearn like newborn infants for pure, spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up to salvation,

Therefore, dear friends, since you are waiting for these things, strive to be found at peace, without spot or blemish, when you come into his presence.

It is the same with you. Since you are eager for manifestations of the Spirit, seek to abound in order to strengthen the church.

The Lord was pleased that Solomon made this request. God said to him, "Because you asked for the ability to make wise judicial decisions, and not for long life, or riches, or vengeance on your enemies, I grant your request, and give you a wise and discerning mind superior to that of anyone who has preceded or will succeed you.read more.
Furthermore, I am giving you what you did not request -- riches and honor so that you will be the greatest king of your generation. If you follow my instructions by obeying my rules and regulations, just as your father David did, then I will grant you long life."

God said to Solomon, "Because you desire this, and did not ask for riches, wealth, and honor, or for vengeance on your enemies, and because you did not ask for long life, but requested wisdom and discernment so you can make judicial decisions for my people over whom I have made you king, you are granted wisdom and discernment. Furthermore I am giving you riches, wealth, and honor surpassing that of any king before or after you."

But you should be eager for the greater gifts. And now I will show you a way that is beyond comparison.

This saying is trustworthy: "If someone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a good work."

I have asked the Lord for one thing -- this is what I desire! I want to live in the Lord's house all the days of my life, so I can gaze at the splendor of the Lord and contemplate in his temple.

Whom do I have in heaven but you? I desire no one but you on earth.

And in this way I desire to preach where Christ has not been named, so as not to build on another person's foundation,

For if I preach the gospel, I have no reason for boasting, because I am compelled to do this. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!

Some, to be sure, are preaching Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from goodwill. The latter do so from love because they know that I am placed here for the defense of the gospel. The former proclaim Christ from selfish ambition, not sincerely, because they think they can cause trouble for me in my imprisonment.read more.
What is the result? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is being proclaimed, and in this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice,

Do you not know that all the runners in a stadium compete, but only one receives the prize? So run to win. Each competitor must exercise self-control in everything. They do it to receive a perishable crown, but we an imperishable one. So I do not run uncertainly or box like one who hits only air.read more.
Instead I subdue my body and make it my slave, so that after preaching to others I myself will not be disqualified.

Finally the crown of righteousness is reserved for me. The Lord, the righteous Judge, will award it to me in that day -- and not to me only, but also to all who have set their affection on his appearing.

So do not throw away your confidence, because it has great reward. For you need endurance in order to do God's will and so receive what is promised.