The word for today is ambition.
“And to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life and attend to your own business and work with your hands, just as we commanded you” (1 Thess. 4:11).
“Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond servant, and being made in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross” (Phil. 2:5-8).
“But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth” (James 3:14).
“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed. … In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps” (Prov. 16:3, 9).
“But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations” (Ps. 33:11).
“Trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord” (Eph. 5:10).
“Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart” (Ps. 37:4).
“For all these things the Gentiles eagerly seek; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you” (Matt. 6:32
33).
“Be exalted, O God, above the heavens, and let your glory be over all the earth” (Ps. 108:5).
Prayer: Lord, thank You that You are teaching us to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts and to live soberly, righteously, and devoutly in this present world.