Kinsmen Debrief #2 – Learning from Ruslan KD on Godly Ambition
Today we’re continuing our Kinsmen Series, debriefing and re-presenting the learning that took place last week at the 2025 Kinsmen Summit. Each one of these sessions packed a different kind of punch, and my hope is that those reading today will not only enjoy the insights but also put a piece of it into practice in their daily lives.
Ruslan KD is a Christian YouTuber with a massive following. His videos are viewed by millions, and nearly a million subscribers engage with his content for its pursuit of truth and his willingness to challenge us to be bold followers of Christ. His story is a powerful one. He is of Armenian descent and did not grow up as a follower of Christ. There were no churches where he came from, and it was only after coming to the U.S. that he found Jesus.
To learn more about Ruslan after reading this article, click here: https://www.youtube.com/@RuslanKD
His recent book, Godly Ambition, was the topic of his discussion at the Kinsmen Summit. My notes and takeaways are presented below.
Jesus Shows Us True Ambition and Purpose
Before we can explore what Jesus teaches, let’s pause and consider what most of us think of when we hear the word ambition. In modern U.S. culture, ambition often means climbing to the top in business, sports, media, or pursuing a legacy people will remember. Our perception has been shaped by what we’re advertised. What we see becomes what we desire, but the problem is that chasing what the world offers leads to an endless game of comparison—always leaving us empty, restless, and seeking something different. The world will always disappoint us this way.
So how did Jesus handle ambition?
Real ambition—real purpose—comes through serving. Serving others is the holiest form of ambition when it comes to how we spend our time and energy on earth. If you want to be great, serve. The greatest among you is the one who humbles himself and is willing to be the least. The last shall be first, and the first shall be last. This is truly the upside-down Kingdom.
“For whoever would gain their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it.” – Luke 9:24
When it comes to ambition, accumulation is often its close cousin. Jesus warned against gaining the whole world while losing our soul. Too often our ambitions revolve around acquiring more of what the world offers, rather than stewarding what God has entrusted to us.
Service, Generosity, and Legacy
Developing a heart for service naturally grows a heart of generosity. Generosity is the antidote to greed. Wealth is a tool, not a trophy. We can either love money and use people, or use money and love people. Ruslan encouraged us to reflect on this distinction and develop a strategy that keeps love for people and generosity at the center.
As he wound down his talk, Ruslan shared some real-life examples and left us with a simple but profound reminder:
“If you want to build a legacy that outlives you, the changes and impact must first happen at your own dinner table.” -RKD
The table. What a powerful image. The table was a common place where Jesus connected with those He loved most. He taught at tables. He ate with sinners, with the wealthy, the noble, the poor, and even shared bread by a fire. His words and His willingness to serve connected deeply with those around Him.
We should take note. Each of us has influence over the atmosphere of our own homes. Around the dinner table, we can prioritize service, connection, and love with those closest to us.
True Godly Ambition
True godly ambition is stewardship. Our lives are not our own—they are on loan to us from God. Our purpose is to glorify Him with what we’ve been given and to attract those who do not yet know Him to His Son. To honor and love the Lord, and to make His love known, is the holiest ambition.
I’m grateful to Ruslan for such a powerful message, and I hope we all leave with a renewed vision of what ambition truly looks like in the Kingdom of God.
-Mark
