Most of the population desires to be successful and that can look different for each individuals life; financial security, passport stamped of different destinations, a home with a white picket fence and golden retriever, climbing the corporate ladder, running a successful business, graduating from prestigious universities, securing brand partnerships, driving their dream car(s), the starring role in a film, reaching 100k subscribers. That's not an exhaustive list but some of the wishes that can be found on various vision boards within our millennial society.
Christians hang in the balance of believing that God also wants them to be successful or struggle with insecurities that make them doubt He wants them successful. Let me demystify any claims that God wants for his children to not experience dreams coming true or accomplishing milestones in life - He does! I'll go a step further to say that whatever dreams an individual has, God's plans are for more abundant and much bigger than they could ever think or imagine. Talk about mind blowing!
So whilst God does want for his children to have success in life, He often comes across a pattern amongst them of wanting to be devoted to His will (what it is that He desires to be done) and wanting to pursue their own will (I'll be referring to it as personal ambitions).
In such a case which wins?
Free will is available to everyone, God would never force anyone to surrender (willingly give up) their own desires so they can follow His plans, that would make Him a dictator when He's a loving father. But it does grieve his heart when his children are hesitant to pursue the plans that He set out for them, because they don't see how that direction will promote or advance their personal ambitions. This life that we are blessed to live is not about us but Jesus, when accepting salvation (choosing to believe in Jesus and that He died for your sins and rose from the grave), we are declaring to prioritise God's will over our own. There are no clauses of I will only do this job if it is going to result in a promotion, I will only be hospitable to this family if they will connect me with their rich neighbour, I will only befriend this person if I see what they can do for me, I will only minister at this event if it means a viral post, I will only speak this truth if it means people will still like me.
In each of these examples, God would've had his plans for the relocation or new connections, but such thoughts show how sometimes we only want to serve in vain. What's in it for me? How will this further me? Are they important enough for me to serve? None of what God asks us to do is about us, we must be careful to not try and veil our serving God as a stepping stool to personal fame and ambition. The people you dwell amongst may not know of your intentions, but God does because He looks at the heart and such attitudes anger Him.
Everything we do is to be as unto God, meaning that in all our daily actions, as well as what He asks of us to do, is to be done as though it is for Him. So we have kindness and compassion in our hearts, we are enthusiastic to connect with people because they can hopefully know the truth of Christ through us. God doesn't prioritise money, platforms or followings, He is concerned with the character and hearts of people. His definition of success is the kingdom of God enlarging because more people are coming to know Jesus and they are following the plans He has for them to help others and our society.
Let's be careful to not use our service to God as a means to advance personal ambition, it's not about you but about making Him known.