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Godly Ambition: Unlocking the Full Potential of Your Time, Talent, and Treasure
Ambition isn’t the enemy—it’s the answer.
NATIONAL BESTSELLER • Ruslan KD went from refugee to success story. Now the influential YouTuber, artist, and entrepreneur shares his playbook for building a career that leverages your gifts, serves your community, and glorifies God.
Trying to make our way in a fast-moving world, we can often feel overwhelmed, ill-equipped, and unsure of next steps. And ambition? Many times, it’s mistaken for selfishness and gets a bad rap. But what if ambition, rooted in faith, is exactly what you need to uncover your purpose, sharpen your skills, and make an impact for God's kingdom?
In Godly Ambition, hip-hop artist, entrepreneur, and popular YouTuber Ruslan KD shares his story—from growing up as a refugee with a single mom to facing a future headed for trouble. Instead, faith and hard work led him to a life filled with purpose, impact, and peace.
In this book, you'll learn how to
• understand the difference between selfish and godly ambition
• clarify your identity and purpose in Christ
• make the most of where you are right now while building toward your future
• develop skills that set you apart
• take simple, actionable steps to move forward in your life
No fluff. No hype. Just practical insights to help you chase the right goals and live with deeper purpose. Wherever you are today, Godly Ambition will challenge and inspire you to live boldly for God, using your gifts to make a difference.
NATIONAL BESTSELLER • Ruslan KD went from refugee to success story. Now the influential YouTuber, artist, and entrepreneur shares his playbook for building a career that leverages your gifts, serves your community, and glorifies God.
Trying to make our way in a fast-moving world, we can often feel overwhelmed, ill-equipped, and unsure of next steps. And ambition? Many times, it’s mistaken for selfishness and gets a bad rap. But what if ambition, rooted in faith, is exactly what you need to uncover your purpose, sharpen your skills, and make an impact for God's kingdom?
In Godly Ambition, hip-hop artist, entrepreneur, and popular YouTuber Ruslan KD shares his story—from growing up as a refugee with a single mom to facing a future headed for trouble. Instead, faith and hard work led him to a life filled with purpose, impact, and peace.
In this book, you'll learn how to
• understand the difference between selfish and godly ambition
• clarify your identity and purpose in Christ
• make the most of where you are right now while building toward your future
• develop skills that set you apart
• take simple, actionable steps to move forward in your life
No fluff. No hype. Just practical insights to help you chase the right goals and live with deeper purpose. Wherever you are today, Godly Ambition will challenge and inspire you to live boldly for God, using your gifts to make a difference.
Kindle Edition
Published September 9, 2025
112 people are currently reading
2764 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
September 30, 2025
Ruslan's first book is a strong one, primarily because he focused on one audience and one message calling young men to harness their time, talent, and treasure for the Kingdom.
The chapters are very practical walking through Ruslan's lived experience, wisdom gained from mentors, and Scriptural principles. And unlike so many Christian authors who write similar "self-help" style books, Ruslan gives credit to nearly every mentor and source of the ideas he is advocating.
For me, a connoisseur of this type of book, their was not a lot of new information here, but for someone starting out, this book could be a road map for future growth and provide a library of great books and authors. Ruslan brings ideas from James Clear's Atomic Habits, Charles Duhigg's Power of Habit, Cal Newport's Deep Work, Dave Ramey's Entreleadership, and many others. A careful reading of this book could lead to a 3 years journey of learning and growth.
The ultimate strength of this book comes in the language. It's fresh and real and will speak to the next generation without sounding purposefully trendy. One such quote was "God works in the waiting, in the unhurried, unsexy everyday grind."
My only critiques would be that there was not a strong enough sense of new information, more a repackaging, reapplication, and compilation of popular concepts. And while I believe Ruslan's goal was to make every chapter independently readable, his frequent reintroducing of things that happened in his life bordered on the self promotion and were especially grading on me as someone who went through the whole book in a couple of days.
I would strongly recommend this to every Christian young man (and probably young women as well.)
The chapters are very practical walking through Ruslan's lived experience, wisdom gained from mentors, and Scriptural principles. And unlike so many Christian authors who write similar "self-help" style books, Ruslan gives credit to nearly every mentor and source of the ideas he is advocating.
For me, a connoisseur of this type of book, their was not a lot of new information here, but for someone starting out, this book could be a road map for future growth and provide a library of great books and authors. Ruslan brings ideas from James Clear's Atomic Habits, Charles Duhigg's Power of Habit, Cal Newport's Deep Work, Dave Ramey's Entreleadership, and many others. A careful reading of this book could lead to a 3 years journey of learning and growth.
The ultimate strength of this book comes in the language. It's fresh and real and will speak to the next generation without sounding purposefully trendy. One such quote was "God works in the waiting, in the unhurried, unsexy everyday grind."
My only critiques would be that there was not a strong enough sense of new information, more a repackaging, reapplication, and compilation of popular concepts. And while I believe Ruslan's goal was to make every chapter independently readable, his frequent reintroducing of things that happened in his life bordered on the self promotion and were especially grading on me as someone who went through the whole book in a couple of days.
I would strongly recommend this to every Christian young man (and probably young women as well.)
January 11, 2026
I really enjoyed listening to this book and reading it, too. Mainly because I felt God pressing me to read it. I flew through it! Its an easy read with lots of time tested practical principles that anyone can apply and obviously it it tailored to Christians but it can be an evangelical tool to bring people to the Biblical Jesus. In my opinion that's the best part of it weaving his personal life with what the title clearly states. It's a good first book for him and a good way start as an author. Not sure what else he could expound on in the future but anyone who gives it time can appreciate the book.
October 23, 2025
Amazing book! I highly recommend to anyone who follows Jesus, who wants to learn about God’s word and anyone struggling to find how to use their God given talents. This book is full of incredible knowledge of how to apply Gods word to your life and talents. I love that the book is reinforced with scripture throughout the entire book. It is a great book for how to live life in general and how to apply God’s word to your life. It opens your mind to search yourself, your life and God’s word. I also really like that it breaks down scripture and prayer. Definitely worth reading!
September 10, 2025
I've been aware of Ruslan since the Breax, Dream Junkies (he freestyled at our church when they came through on tour, which was dope), his solo career, his launch of his YouTube channel and have been following his progression for years!
Ruslan's engagement in current events with a biblical perspective is something I've greatly enjoyed! I love seeing him prosper and using his gifts and talents to glorify the Lord!
His YouTube channel is my favorite by far and he's my go to for cultural commentary that's fair and balanced as a follow of Jesus. Dig that!
I was super excited when I heard that he was going to be writing and releasing a book! I've been waiting for this over the past year and made it a point to listen to it as soon as it dropped on Spotify! I made it a point to share it with a lot of the young adults in my life that I have disciple making relationships with and I trust that the Lord will use it to help them in their walk with Jesus!
I loved the book and I'm putting it on my list of book recommendations! Keep it up Ruslan.
One of my favorite quotes from the book was "wisdom leaks out in the ebb and flow of community."
I love all of the practical application that comes from the breakdown of scripture and some of the best practices that will help in spiritual formation!
Highly recommend this book!
Ruslan's engagement in current events with a biblical perspective is something I've greatly enjoyed! I love seeing him prosper and using his gifts and talents to glorify the Lord!
His YouTube channel is my favorite by far and he's my go to for cultural commentary that's fair and balanced as a follow of Jesus. Dig that!
I was super excited when I heard that he was going to be writing and releasing a book! I've been waiting for this over the past year and made it a point to listen to it as soon as it dropped on Spotify! I made it a point to share it with a lot of the young adults in my life that I have disciple making relationships with and I trust that the Lord will use it to help them in their walk with Jesus!
I loved the book and I'm putting it on my list of book recommendations! Keep it up Ruslan.
One of my favorite quotes from the book was "wisdom leaks out in the ebb and flow of community."
I love all of the practical application that comes from the breakdown of scripture and some of the best practices that will help in spiritual formation!
Highly recommend this book!
November 19, 2025
This book did provide encouragement to get moving and pursue success. He starts out debunking the idea of a Christian not being allowed to be ambitious in career and our work that leads to financial success. Ambition is a call of the Christian as long as our desire is kingdom focused and not self-centered. He provided many practical ways to apply healthy disciplines to your day, several were reinstated from other men’s ideas but principles were solid and Ruslan did a great job putting many ideas in one book. I could tell he was trying to convey how he did things in his life to get where he is, which could come across arrogant, but I believe he was trying to plead his case for each topic. He did not shy away of confessing things he’s done wrong over the years (financing shoes) but also explained how certain actions became successful.
My biggest take away from the book didn’t have much to do with work ethic or success, but the break down of a method of prayer and writing down daily for 1-2 weeks to document prayer life. Being a man who appreciates healthy disciplines, this idea was a good reminder and had me considering how weak my prayer life is. Good book, easy to read and plenty of applicable ideas.
My biggest take away from the book didn’t have much to do with work ethic or success, but the break down of a method of prayer and writing down daily for 1-2 weeks to document prayer life. Being a man who appreciates healthy disciplines, this idea was a good reminder and had me considering how weak my prayer life is. Good book, easy to read and plenty of applicable ideas.
September 26, 2025
Godly Ambition is a solid book! It reminds me of a mixture of Atomic Habits by James Clear, Through the Eyes of a Lion by Levi Lusko, Don’t Waste Your Life by John Piper, To Hell with the Hustle by Jefferson Bethke, and The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer. I’ve enjoyed all of these books and each one has taught me different lessons. One of the things that makes Godly Ambition great is the fact that so many of these helpful principles can be found in this book alone.
Like Ruslan as I read Atomic Habits I too had reservations of Clear’s approach to identity and the idea that you are what you do. I appreciated Ruslan’s thoughtful Christian perspective related to this specifically and his detailing of Atomic Habits principals through a Christian worldview.
After my first listen I can say I really enjoyed it and would recommend it to anyone especially if they enjoyed Atomic Habits or Ruthless Elimination of Hurry. Currently I’m still chewing on the book as a whole and am looking forward to listening to it again.
Like Ruslan as I read Atomic Habits I too had reservations of Clear’s approach to identity and the idea that you are what you do. I appreciated Ruslan’s thoughtful Christian perspective related to this specifically and his detailing of Atomic Habits principals through a Christian worldview.
After my first listen I can say I really enjoyed it and would recommend it to anyone especially if they enjoyed Atomic Habits or Ruthless Elimination of Hurry. Currently I’m still chewing on the book as a whole and am looking forward to listening to it again.
December 20, 2025
Always been a fan of Ruslan's YouTube channel and podcast, so I knew I had to pick this book up once I heard about it. I really relate to Ruslan's desire to make the most of what is given and "bless God."
Deep inside of us, there is a desire to achieve success in everything we do. Whether that desire stems from selfishness or a desire to help others (this book focuses on and encourages the latter), all of us have this base desire. With this in mind, the key is in determining what to do with this desire or, more accurately, how and where to channel it.
This book acknowledges this reality, and explores how deep-rooted ambition can actually be utilized for the glory of God and the benefit of others, with personal benefit being secondary and consequential.
I believe that God created us for a reason and, while we are primarily created to worship Him, there are other purposes for us to serve beyond that in this life that can glorify Him. This concept of th been one that I've wrestled with for a long time and it turns out I'm not the only one, as this book explores that concept.
Deep inside of us, there is a desire to achieve success in everything we do. Whether that desire stems from selfishness or a desire to help others (this book focuses on and encourages the latter), all of us have this base desire. With this in mind, the key is in determining what to do with this desire or, more accurately, how and where to channel it.
This book acknowledges this reality, and explores how deep-rooted ambition can actually be utilized for the glory of God and the benefit of others, with personal benefit being secondary and consequential.
I believe that God created us for a reason and, while we are primarily created to worship Him, there are other purposes for us to serve beyond that in this life that can glorify Him. This concept of th been one that I've wrestled with for a long time and it turns out I'm not the only one, as this book explores that concept.
October 14, 2025
As an almost 50-year-old woman who’s walked with the Lord for over three decades, Godly Ambition by Ruslan KD came to me at just the right time. He's been one of my favorite YouTuber's for a couple of years, and when he released his first book, I honestly wasn't sure if it would anything I could relate to or learn from.
As it turns out, this book is more than motivational. It’s a wake-up call for believers who’ve allowed fear, doubt, or busyness to quiet the dreams God once stirred in their hearts. Ruslan’s message reminded me that it’s never too late to pursue what God has placed within you, no matter how much time has passed or how unqualified you might feel.
Godly Ambition encouraged me to stop making excuses and start moving. For too long, I believed that certain seasons of life had passed me by, but Ruslan’s words reminded me that God doesn’t waste time, He redeems it.
As it turns out, this book is more than motivational. It’s a wake-up call for believers who’ve allowed fear, doubt, or busyness to quiet the dreams God once stirred in their hearts. Ruslan’s message reminded me that it’s never too late to pursue what God has placed within you, no matter how much time has passed or how unqualified you might feel.
Godly Ambition encouraged me to stop making excuses and start moving. For too long, I believed that certain seasons of life had passed me by, but Ruslan’s words reminded me that God doesn’t waste time, He redeems it.
October 30, 2025
RATING 3.75 STARS
Tell me you understand the Tower of Babel narrative without mentioning the Tower of Babel.
In another of those odd "coincidences," I found myself exploring the passage in Genesis 11 that discusses the building of the Tower of Babel, which just so happens to address the conflict between Godly and Human ambition.
This book, written in a casual, reader-friendly tone, does not reference the tower or Babel once, but in reality, it builds a spectacular case for the appropriate way to express and live in our ambitions as a human. Ruslan builds off of his own experiences and shares timely advice and guidance for those seeking success without compromising the faith values that matter most.
Definitely recommend.
Tell me you understand the Tower of Babel narrative without mentioning the Tower of Babel.
In another of those odd "coincidences," I found myself exploring the passage in Genesis 11 that discusses the building of the Tower of Babel, which just so happens to address the conflict between Godly and Human ambition.
This book, written in a casual, reader-friendly tone, does not reference the tower or Babel once, but in reality, it builds a spectacular case for the appropriate way to express and live in our ambitions as a human. Ruslan builds off of his own experiences and shares timely advice and guidance for those seeking success without compromising the faith values that matter most.
Definitely recommend.
November 3, 2025
Ruslan is one of those people who I have been undecided about for a long time and never felt a need to come to a position until I saw that he’d written a book. So I went into this with a healthy amount of skepticism and am glad to say that I came out of it with some fresh insights for my own life, as well as a lot of confidence that he is a man doing exactly the work that God has for him right now, in a way that truly is honoring and submitted to his lord!
Overall I enjoyed this book and it’s definitely one I would recommend if you’re looking for something to help clarify your calling and what healthy, christ-centered ambition looks like.
Favorite Quote: “God cares more about deepening your character than about building your brand.”
Overall I enjoyed this book and it’s definitely one I would recommend if you’re looking for something to help clarify your calling and what healthy, christ-centered ambition looks like.
Favorite Quote: “God cares more about deepening your character than about building your brand.”
December 30, 2025
As someone who enjoys creativity and is an aspiring entrepreneur, this book was a very refreshing read. It’s the first piece of content I’ve seen that sheds light on a subject not often discussed in the church—striking the balance between godly and selfish ambition. I think Ruslan articulates the difference very well and provides easy-to-follow, practical advice on how to not only discover your God-given ambitions but also keep them centered on God. This is a book I’ll definitely reread as I continue in my creative endeavors, and I would recommend others read it if you feel guilty for wanting to pursue excellence and also feel like you’re not being obedient to who God has made you to be because you haven’t found the words or principles to use your gifts to glorify God.
October 27, 2025
Ruslan is a Youtuber and founder of God Bless. An entrepreneur as well as a podcaster. His first book release, Godly Ambition was an amazing book that speaks how to cultivate your time and effort in God's work. Being wise with your money or using your talents for God work isn't as complicated as we seem to put it. On the contrary, in this book Ruslan offers great solutions to start TODAY a better habit into our day by day life. Easy to read and to understand, highly recommend to everyone. You don't have to be an beginner Christian or young Christian. Sometimes you need a fresh pointer in life perspective and this book is for everyone at any time in your life!
November 13, 2025
I honestly wish I'd had this book in my early twenties. So much of what it teaches would've saved me a lot of time and trial-and-error back then. Now, reading it in my mid-thirties as an entrepreneur, I realized that many of the principles have already become part of my daily life-but I still found a ton of small, meaningful nuggets that hit home. It's practical, grounded, and genuinely useful no matter where you are in your spiritual, personal or professional journey. Highly recommend if you want a book that actually sticks.
November 25, 2025
I really love this book and I’ve seen much of Ruslan’s content, but I was surprised to find the kind of wisdom I got out of this book. He is a lot more personal about himself in a way I didn’t know. He is a very humbling man, and I believe my favorite parts of this book were the chapters on prayer and journal habits. Those are absolutely amazing tips for people looking to keep their hearts humble! Ruslan, thank you so much for your contribution to others for God’s Glory! Such great respect for you! Thank you for what you do for the kingdom! I hope my work for the kingdom can compare!
November 26, 2025
The only reason this "review" has stars is because the author has enough irony to acknowledge that not everything he writes is applicable or guaranteed for his audience.
This book is a mixture of clichés and platitudes, interspersed with scriptural references that sound trite from overuse. Partly affirmational, partly inspirational. It's difficult to recommend this work as it doesn't add much to what hasn't already been said elsewhere. No proof nor evidence was given as to why Christians should be ambitious except in the author's testimony.
This book is a mixture of clichés and platitudes, interspersed with scriptural references that sound trite from overuse. Partly affirmational, partly inspirational. It's difficult to recommend this work as it doesn't add much to what hasn't already been said elsewhere. No proof nor evidence was given as to why Christians should be ambitious except in the author's testimony.
January 3, 2026
Ruslan writes a great book for young adults who are ambitious and want to do great things in the world. It's practical, full of scripture and wisdom, and he relates times in his life to the points in the book really well.
While there was nothing ground-breaking to me, it was a great reminder for me that
1) ambition isn't evil, but can be so if it's self-serving.
2) if we seek to pray and give God glory in everything, we will give our desires to the Lord.
3) being a Christian means serving others with your skills and talents, and using your time wisely.
While there was nothing ground-breaking to me, it was a great reminder for me that
1) ambition isn't evil, but can be so if it's self-serving.
2) if we seek to pray and give God glory in everything, we will give our desires to the Lord.
3) being a Christian means serving others with your skills and talents, and using your time wisely.
August 22, 2025
5 of 5 on Ruslan’s new masterpiece! Highly recommend! Whether you’ve been bogged down by the church telling you what you’re calling should be or you’re in a job you hate, Ruslan expertly uses his journey to lead you to the path of true Godly ambition, finding truth and purpose, even in those brutal jobs and situations you feel are dismal. This is a book every young ambitious Christian and entrepreneur must read. Great job, Ruslan! I can’t wait to see your future work.
October 6, 2025
I love Ruslan. I found his YouTube channel very shortly after giving my life to Jesus and his content has transformed the way that I live my life. His content has showed me how to look at the world in a Biblical manner, how to always bring things back to scripture, and how to continuously keep Jesus at the center of everything. This book is all of that and more. There’s so much that Ruslan dove into that he hasn’t talked about in his videos, and it’s all very practical and life giving.
November 21, 2025
This book covered so much ground and gave so many great insights. It stays focused on living a life transformed by God's grace but doesn't shy away from trying to push Christians to work hard and achieve. Ruslan encourages believers to stay focused on the Lord in a multitude of ways and really makes it clear that it is for Him that we do all of it. 5/5
December 12, 2025
I highly recommend this book to anyone who thinks that they don’t have any unique skills to offer the world, and to anyone who does have skills but don’t know how to get started. Take notes on this one
January 4, 2026
Good practical lessons and stories shared here. Ruslan does a good job being relatable, roots his points with scripture, and giving folks applicable advice. I think this is especially helpful for anyone who needs encouragement thinking about their future and/or evaluating their habits and gifts.
January 12, 2026
Ruslan does a great job of meeting the reader wherever they are at—from stay-at-home parent to an aspirational CEO—and walks them step-by-step to how they can practice godly ambition in a way that honors God and the gifts he's given His children. Highly re-readable.
November 3, 2025
Great outlook on how to manage Godliness and productivity!
January 4, 2026
It's not every day I find a book that makes me want to change how I live my life.
September 16, 2025
Great insight and perspective on the concept. More importantly there are a ton of practical takeaways. Very glad I bought it vs rented it.
December 16, 2025
I wasn't sure if I would like this book but I was very pleasantly surprised. For Ruslan's first book, this one was great! I loved that he explained what godly ambition looks like and why it is different than selfish ambition and hustle culture.
I've never read a book on this subject and I found it very refreshing. Great read.
I've never read a book on this subject and I found it very refreshing. Great read.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews