The dictionary defines “ambition” as “a strong desire to
do or achieve something typically requiring determination and hard work.” Being “ambitious” is defined as “having or
showing a strong desire and determination to succeed.” Both of these are admirable qualities. It speaks of focus and wholehearted
commitment. When we apply these definitions to Jesus, we would have to say that
He was definitely ambitious - driven to fulfill His mission, achieve a specific
goal, be successful, accomplish His objective. We too are encouraged to apply
this attitude of perseverance, determination, and hard work to whatever we do.
Whatever you do, do your work heartily,
as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will
receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve. Colossians 3:23,24
There are two qualifying elements that determine whether
or not a specific ambition or our being ambitious in regards to something is
right or wrong. Both are found in verse 23.
(1) Where is this coming from?
The word translated “heartily” in New American Standard or
“with all your heart” in New International Version is the word psuche – from the soul. We have to stop and ask ourselves, where is
this drive, passion, compelling desire coming from? Why is this so important to me? Why does it
matter so much?
(2) Who is it for? Who do I truly desire to be the prime beneficiary of
this accomplishment?
If we do not make the
effort to really dig deep, we can spiritually sugar-coat the answer to either
of these questions. The stronger the
desire, the higher the goal, the greater the impact on others, the more vital
it is that these questions are answered.
There are two words translated
“ambition” in the New Testament. One is
consistently used when that ambition is a godly thing. The other when it is wrong. Each gives us a better understanding of the core
attitude behind them that makes a difference.
In 2 Corinthians 5:9, 1
Thessalonians 4:9-12 and Romans 15:30, the word is philotimeomai. The word philo means to feel love. It is warm and fuzzy. It motivates us to
action. The word timeo refers to a sense of honor.
This ambition flows out of a sense of this being the ultimate honor or
accomplishment. It is such an incredible
privilege that it must be prioritized.
Therefore we also have as
our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him. 2 Corinthians 5:9 NAS
Now as to the love of the brethren, you have no need for
anyone to write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one
another; for indeed you do practice it toward all the brethren who are in all
Macedonia. But we urge you, brethren, to excel still more, and to make it your
ambition to lead a quiet life and attend to your own business and work with
your hands, just as we commanded you, so that you will behave properly toward
outsiders and not be in any need. 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12
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. Romans 15:20 NIV
According to these verses, we need
to be ambitious or passionately driven to please the Lord, to be shining
examples of upright living in an upside down world, as well as focused and
committed to our God given ministries and purpose.
The other word translated “ambition”
is eritheia. A literal translation is “to work for hire.”
It refers to a mercenary who will do anything to get a personal pay off. This type of ambition comes from a
self-serving heart and the primary beneficiary is "me."
The acts of the sinful
nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and
witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition,
dissensions, factions 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. Galatians 5:19-21
God will give to each
person according to what he has done. To those who by persistence in doing
good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life. But for
those who are self-seeking* and who reject the truth and follow evil, there
will be wrath and anger. Romans 2:6-8 NIV (* “selfishly ambitious” NAS)
In these verses, this attitude or
motive is obviously wrong. However, it is not always this obvious. This kind of
ambition can be very deceptive, especially when it comes to being spiritually
ambitious.
It is true that some preach
Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so in
love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former
preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can
stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. Philippians
1:15-17 NIV
Because it comes from self-serving motives, it is WRONG,
even if the good news of Christ is being preached. What is going on in the
heart is the determining factor. Such ambition is fueled by the devil to serve
his counterfeit purposes. If he can’t get us to do something ungodly, he is
quite content to settle for godly things done in an ungodly way or with an ungodly motivate. He still wins.
But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your
hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such “wisdom” does not come
down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. For where you have
envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil
practice. James 3:14-16 NIV
There is a simple solution:
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in
humility consider others better than yourselves. Philippians 2:3 NIV
Jesus’ ambitiousness was constantly focused on two
things: glory and grace. Everything He
said, did and pursued was intent on pleasing the Father and benefitting us. We
are to have the same attitude/mindset as Jesus (Philippians 2:5). Thus, glory
and grace needs to be at the heart of our ambition. If so, it will never be wrong, but achieve
great things in and for the Kingdom of God.
