Ambition
Illustration★★★★A recent high school graduate visited with his pastor in order to discuss with him his plans for the future. “My ambition is to become a great architect,” he said.
“I want to get my undergraduate and graduate degrees from the best University in the field.” “What then?” asked the pastor.
“I want to become famous by designing magnificent public buildings.” “What then?” asked the pastor.
“I want to get married.” “What then?” asked the pastor.
“I want to raise a family.” “What then?” asked the pastor.
“Oh, I see what you mean,” said the young man, “I will then make peace with God.” “That’s all well and good,” said the pastor, “but you must reverse the plan.
Make peace with God first and all the other things will be added. Make peace with God first so that you will be able to trust His promise to give you what you need. Make that your life’s ambition.”
The point
A young high-school graduate tells his pastor his life plan: become a famous architect, get degrees, marry, raise a family, then make peace with God. The pastor reverses it: "Make peace with God first—all the other things will be added." Seek first the kingdom, and all else follows.