March 26 - Ambition Reoriented: The Crown of Eternal Glory

“Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for unto him hath God the Father committed his work.” – John 6:27 (KJV)

We are not called to extinguish our natural drive for excellence upon embracing the path of faith. Instead, God invites us to channel our ambition toward pursuits that echo through eternity. The very qualities that fuel our determination—unyielding desire, diligent effort, steadfast perseverance—are gifts meant to be redirected from transient worldly gains to everlasting rewards.

In His divine wisdom, God presents us with a vision of an honor beyond any earthly accolade: a pure white garment symbolizing righteousness, a crown bedecked with precious jewels, a scepter that signifies rightful authority, and a throne of glory far surpassing the fleeting honors of this world. These eternal rewards remind us that our true ambition should aim not at perishable treasures, but at the unending riches of life everlasting.

Our journey of faith is not without temptations. The allure to adopt worldly wisdom, to engage in secretive plots, and to amass wealth at the expense of our spiritual well-being can be strong. Yet, every victory over such enticements is a triumph of the spirit—a moment when our inner strength is united in the service of Jesus, cultivating virtues like faith, hope, patience, and self-control. Such discipline transforms our natural ambition into a force for good, aligning our every effort with the eternal purposes of God.

Let us fix our eyes on that higher calling. As we labor with integrity and passion for the eternal reward prepared by our Heavenly Father, our lives will shine with divine brilliance. “And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.” – Daniel 12:3 (KJV)

May our ambition be ever reoriented toward what is everlasting, and may every step we take in the pursuit of righteousness bring us closer to the crown of eternal glory.