Our Greatest Ambition

Inherent to the call to follow Christ is also the call to propagate the gospel. It is the plan of Christ that His followers will share the good news of His death, burial, and resurrection. Christ desires that others would know that the price has been paid for their sins and that He has paved a way for us to have a relationship with the Father and to have eternal life.

In Acts 26, having been arrested because of his testimony of Christ, Paul boldly proclaims what Christ has done for him. He share a step by step account as to who he was and how Christ changed him. Paul shows no sense of fear or shame as he proclaims the truth of who Christ is. So convincing is Paul that Agrippa, in front of whom Paul was arguing his case, asks, “In a short time would you persuade me to be a Christian?” (Acts 26:28). Without a doubt, Agrippa is sensing the truth of what Paul has to say and is not sure how to respond.

Paul’s answer to Agrippa in this moment reflects the heart that every believer ought to have when it comes to the spread of the gospel. Paul says, “Whether short or long, I would to God that not only you but also all who hear me this day might become such as I am – except for these chains” (Acts 26:29). Paul had one driving force in his life. Paul knew his calling; his mission. Paul’s greatest desire was to see people come to Christ.

What is our greatest desire? Too often our greatest desire is to receive that long overdue promotion. Maybe we desire to finally build the home we have dreamed about forever. Or, maybe we simply desire to take that once in a lifetime vacation. Not Paul. Paul only desired to see people come to the Lord. He was driven by this desire. So great was his desire to see people come to the Lord, he prioritized it even before his own freedom. Oh that the heart of Paul would be transferred us. If only the church would catch such a passion today, what might change? Make it a point, today, to ask the Lord to begin to work in your heart as He did in Paul’s.