Approval of God: The Ambition Framework for every marketplace believer

APPROVAL OF GOD should be the burning ambition of every believer to please God. It Is the power to Divine Alignment that would start a journey of unfathomable blessings within the Kingdom realm.

In the introduction to the AMBITION Framework, I presented eight principles that can help every believer thrive in the marketplace. Although I have not yet mastered them, I believe God placed this mnemonic, written by Dr S. Y. Govender, in my path as a practical guide for growing into my inheritance to rule and reign.

 

Approval of God is the first ambition principle of a Marketplace Believer

“It must be the ambition of every Christian to please God (obtain God's approval or favour).” Dr. S.Y. Govender.

 

In a world obsessed with visibility, applause, and achievement, the Kingdom calls us to a different pursuit — the smile of God. His approval is not earned through performance, but through obedience and alignment. And obedience and alignment are revealed through the marks of a true disciple.

 

Below are the seven pathways Scripture gives us for living a life that pleases Him—not theoretically, but practically, in the marketplace, in leadership, and in daily life.

1. DEATH TO SELF — The Foundation of Approval

Jesus made it unmistakably clear:

“Whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.” (Luke 14:27)

To “take up the cross” was not poetic language. In Jesus’ day, anyone carrying a cross was already sentenced to death. This is the picture of discipleship: death to self-will, self-rule, self-preservation, and self-actualization.

Jesus Himself modelled it:

“Nevertheless not My will, but Yours be done.” (Luke 22:42)

Approval begins where self ends.

Marketplace Reflection

Before every decision, ask:

• Is this my will or His?
• Am I choosing comfort or obedience?
• Am I protecting myself or advancing His purpose?

 

2. IMITATING JESUS — The Pattern of Approval

Discipleship is not admiration; it is imitation.

“Christ… leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps.” (1 Peter 2:21)

Jesus sets the standard:

“Be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.” (Matthew 5:48)

Perfection here means maturity, wholeness, and alignment.

 

Marketplace Reflection

Ask:

• Am I responding like Jesus?
• Am I leading like Jesus?
• Am I loving like Jesus?

 

3. SERVANTHOOD — The Posture of Approval

Jesus washed feet—the lowest task in the household.

“If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet… you also ought to wash one another’s feet.” (John 13:14)

Servanthood is not weakness; it is Kingdom greatness. It reveals the matter of the heart. 

 

Marketplace Reflection

• Serve without expecting recognition.
• Lead without entitlement.
• Influence without superiority.

 

4. COMPLIANCE — The Response of Approval

When Jesus called the disciples, Scripture says:

“They immediately left their nets and followed Him.” (Matthew 4:20)

Immediate obedience is the mark of a heart that pleases God.

Again:

“The disciples went and did as Jesus commanded them.” (Matthew 21:6)

 

Marketplace Reflection

Delayed obedience is disobedience. Ask:

• Where have I hesitated?
• Where have I negotiated instead of obeyed?

 

5. INDWELLING WORD — The Diet of Approval

Jesus said:

“If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed.” (John 8:31)

Crowds followed Jesus when miracles were visible. But when He taught deeper truth:

“From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more.” (John 6:66)

The Word is not entertainment—it is sustenance.

“He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood abides in Me.” (John 6:56)

Eating His flesh = internalizing His Word.

 

Marketplace Reflection

• Feed on Scripture daily.
• Let the Word shape decisions, not emotions.
• Build your business on biblical principles, not trends.

 

6. PRODUCTIVITY — The Evidence of Approval

Jesus said:

“By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit.” (John 15:8)

Fruit is not optional—it is proof.

And the greatest fruit?

“Go therefore and make disciples…” (Matthew 28:19)

A disciple makes disciples.

 

Marketplace Reflection

Your productivity is not measured only in profit, but in:

• transformed lives
• Kingdom influence
• spiritual multiplication

 

7. LOVE FOR OTHER DISCIPLES — The Witness of Approval

Jesus raises the standard:

“Love one another; as I have loved you.” (John 13:34)

This is sacrificial love.

“He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.” (1 John 3:16)

Love is the badge of discipleship.

 

Marketplace Reflection

• Protect unity.
• Honor other believers.
• Lay down ego, offense, and competition.

 

8. EXCLUSIVE DEVOTION — The Offering of Approval

Jesus demands first place:

“Whoever does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple.” (Luke 14:33)

And:

“Anyone who wants to be my follower must love me far more…” (Luke 14:26 TLB)

This is the burnt offering—wholly consumed.

Paul echoes it:

“Present your bodies a living sacrifice…” (Romans 12:1)

 

Marketplace Reflection

• Jesus above career.
• Jesus above comfort.
• Jesus above relationships.
• Jesus above self.

 

Esther: A Marketplace Picture of Divine Approval

Esther’s life is a prophetic mirror for marketplace believers.

• She obeyed Mordecai without hesitation. Her spiritual father she knew and trusted.
• On his command, she hid her identity until the right moment.
• She submitted to preparation.
• She followed instructions precisely.
• She positioned herself for purpose, and not promotion. She waited for the right time and opportunity to present her case.

She sought the king’s approval—but God positioned her for deliverance.

How much more should we seek God’s approval, knowing His plans far exceed our own?

 

Marketplace Application: Approval in Daily Decisions

To seek God’s approval in the marketplace:

1. Make decisions based on assignment, not anxiety.

Fear-based decisions never please God.

2. Ask: “Does this deal, partnership, or opportunity please God?”

If it compromises integrity, unity, or obedience—it’s not from Him.

3. Big thinkers don’t chase everything—they chase what aligns.

Approval is found in alignment, and not in activity.

 

Final Reflection

The approval of God is not mystical. It is revealed in the life of a disciple—one who:

• dies to self
• imitates Jesus
• serves
• obeys
• abides
• bears fruit
• loves deeply
• devotes exclusively

 

This is the ambition of the marketplace believer and the path to divine favour. This is the life that pleases God.

Esther: A  picture of a person whose ambition was to please her spiritual father.

Key Themes:

· Obedience. Her obedience led her into the king's chamber. she didn't chase her own agenda. 

· Submission: She not only submitted to her spiritual father and the house of the king but she submitted to the Lord, fasting and praying for the right posture and timing. 

· Hidden identity. In a time where everyone must know everything, it is wise to keep important information hidden. the one moment it could cost you and the next moment it can become a life changer. 

· Strategic positioning is vital in the marketplace. When you are visible to the right people doors open for you. 

· Assignment over ambition: it is always God's will that directs and aligns. When we keep that our focus the results speaks for itself. 

 

Summary: Esther sought the king’s approval, but God positioned her for deliverance. Her life shows the power of obedience, preparation, and alignment—qualities every marketplace believer must cultivate.

The next blog post we will look at the second principle: 

MANIFEST THE VICTORY OF CHRIST → The Power of Identity

Grace and peace to you.