Make It Your Ambition
Review by Jodi Deputy

Oh, parents – remember the uncertainty of being a teenager? Do you recall the weight of all those pending life decisions that seemed to loom at you from the future? A future that seemed just around the corner and coming ever closer? Make it Your Ambition by John Notgrass helps dissolve that fear and indecision that young people (and sometimes older people) grapple with and replaces it with a charted course, a vision, a plan. In his book, Mr. Notgrass gives you the tools and Biblical principles to direct your life onto God’s paths and to live for God’s glory.

This work is well thought out and organized, but the true richness of this study lies in its scriptural foundation. Everything -- and I do mean everything -- is backed up with a Biblical reference. The book includes such topics as the importance of having a vision and how to know God’s will. What are our responsibilities towards parents, finances, church and community? How do we find (and prepare) for our future spouse? What should our attitude be towards purity, marriage and children?

The book has a conversational style and a very humble tone. Reading it feels like you are sitting down with your big brother and listening to his heartfelt, loving advice. I feel like this book is perfectly suited as a Bible study for a parent to do with their children in high school and beyond. It provides an opening and a format to discuss life’s most important issues. There certainly would be nothing wrong with a young person reading it alone, and it would make a lovely gift for a youth or young adult that is not blessed with godly, parental guidance.

After reading this book one walks away feeling uplifted, encouraged, challenged and refreshed. I must share that at the same time I was reading this book, my husband and I were reviewing a study guide on purity that is popular among churches today. Make It Your Ambition rises so far above this other work that they are not even in the same universe. I’m sure that sounds like an overstatement, but I am appalled at the crass approach that many churches take trying to reach youth on "their" level. John never condescends in his book, but remains godly, approachable and foundationally sound.