Being An Ambitious Christian

What comes to mind when you read the word ambition? In modern culture people viewed as ambitious are typically considered as "having it all together". They are successful at their job, get promoted, and bring home nice paychecks. They live in big houses in nice neighborhoods and drive expensive cars. But these same people who "have it all together" are then described as being mean, or ruthless. Willing to do whatever it takes to achieve their goals.

What is ambition?

Dictionary.com defines ambition as "An earnest desire for some type of achievement or distinction, as power, honor, fame, or wealth, and the willingness to strive for its attainment". Well that doesn't sound so bad, right? Sounds like a recipe for success to me. But how should we, as Christians, view ambition?

What does the Bible say about ambition?

Two different Greek words are translated as "ambition" in the Bible. The first is eritheia: “a desire to put one's self forward, a partisan and fractious spirit which does not disdain low arts.” Eritheia is frequently translated as "selfish ambition". Paul and James both use this word in their letters (emphasis added).

James 3:13-16 (NIV)

13 Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. 15 This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.

Pliippians 2:3 (NIV)

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,

Philippians 1:15-17 (NIV)

15 It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. 16 The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17 The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains.

Galatians 5:19-21 (NIV)

19 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

James describes selfish ambition with some pretty heavy words; earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. Paul lists selfish ambition as an act of our flesh and goes further to say even the preaching of the gospel can be bad if it is done from selfish ambition.

The second Greek word we find is philotimeomai: “to strive earnestly, make it one's aim.” Consider the use of this in the following verses.

Romans 15:20 (NIV)

It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known, so that I would not be building on someone else's foundation.

2 Corinthians 5:9 (NIV)

So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it.

1 Thessalonians 4:11 (NIV)

and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you,

So is ambition bad or good? As with many aspects of life, it depends on our heart, or motivation. If we direct our ambitions to bring attention to ourselves, we aren't using it correctly. Our motivation, our most diligent work, our ambition, should always be towards pleasing and glorifying God.