Dreaming Big and Glorifying God: Lessons from Chase the Lion

In Chase the Lion: If Your Dream Doesn’t Scare You, It’s Too Small, Mark Batterson inspires readers to embrace God-given dreams with courage and faith. His message is particularly relevant for Christians who view ambition or prosperity with hesitation, believing that pursuing big dreams might contradict humility or spiritual purity. Batterson reframes these ideas, teaching that dreaming big—when aligned with God’s will—can bring Him glory, bless others, and serve His Kingdom.

Dreaming as a God-Given Calling

Some Christians mistakenly view ambition as inherently unchristian, associating humility with small thinking. Batterson challenges this belief by framing bold dreams as acts of faith. Using the biblical story of Benaiah—who chased a lion into a pit on a snowy day (2 Samuel 23:20)—he shows how pursuing daunting opportunities can position believers for greater Kingdom impact.

Benaiah’s boldness wasn’t for self-glory; it prepared him to serve as a leader in King David’s army. Similarly, Batterson argues that God-sized dreams aren’t self-serving—they are designed to honor God and bless others. When we step into these callings, we become participants in His plans for redemption and transformation.

“If your dream doesn’t scare you, it’s too small. God-given dreams require a God-sized dependence.”

The Tension Between Prosperity and Poverty

One of the biggest struggles Christians face is reconciling material success with faith. Many believe poverty equates to holiness, while wealth and prosperity carry the risk of selfishness or spiritual decline. Batterson addresses these concerns directly, offering a more nuanced, biblical perspective:

1. Stewardship, Not Ownership:

In the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30), Jesus praises those who multiply the resources they’ve been entrusted with and rebukes the servant who buries his talent out of fear. The lesson is clear: Christians are called to use whatever God provides—whether little or much—to advance His purposes.

2. Poverty Isn’t Holiness:

Batterson argues that neither prosperity nor poverty determines one’s spiritual state. What matters is how we steward our resources. Wealth can be a tool to bless others, advance the Gospel, and provide for those in need, whereas poverty may sometimes reflect poor stewardship rather than piety.

3. Prosperity with a Purpose:

Prosperity is not wrong when it is accompanied by generosity and aligned with God’s Kingdom. The problem lies in self-serving wealth accumulation, not in having abundance itself.

Conquering Fear and False Humility

A common obstacle to pursuing dreams is the belief that seeking something “big” is selfish or prideful. Batterson calls this out as false humility. Instead of shrinking back, Christians are encouraged to step boldly into the roles and opportunities God places before them, trusting that the pursuit of these dreams will require ongoing prayer, dependence, and growth in their faith.

“A God who parted seas and raised the dead can handle the weight of your dreams.”

Batterson emphasizes that playing small doesn’t serve anyone—least of all, God. Big dreams push us out of our comfort zones, develop our faith, and equip us to make a greater impact.

Holiness in Action

Holiness is not about avoiding ambition, prosperity, or influence; it’s about leveraging these blessings for God’s glory. Batterson redefines holiness as putting God first and faithfully using everything He’s entrusted to us—time, talent, and treasure—for His Kingdom.

• He challenges the false dichotomy between ambition and spirituality, pointing to biblical heroes like David, Joseph, and Esther, who dreamed big and used their positions to bless others.

• Batterson also reassures readers that pursuing dreams isn’t about striving for personal fame. It’s about obedience to God and the courage to follow His direction, no matter the cost.

Conclusion: Living a Legacy of Faith and Dreams

For Christians struggling with the idea of pursuing big dreams or grappling with the concept of prosperity, Chase the Lion offers a refreshing and biblical perspective. Batterson reminds us that dreams aren’t about glorifying ourselves but about fulfilling God’s plans and blessing others.

Dreams are seeds God plants in our hearts, designed to grow into something larger than ourselves, an Orchard. Pursuing them is not only a reflection of faith but also an act of worship that aligns our lives with His greater story.

If you’ve ever wondered whether dreaming big is “Christian,” Batterson’s message is clear: as long as the dream glorifies God, blesses others, and requires faith, it’s not only okay—it’s essential. If you wrestle with this subject I encourage you to dive into the Batterson’s book, but also apply these opportunities to practice this sitting right in front of you. If you pray for an oak tree and God gives you an acorn, he has answered your prayer. The right move is usually disguised as work, and knowing the right thing to do, and not doing it, is sin.

-Bobby Campbell

https://linktr.ee/BobbyCampbell