For many being ambitious is a good thing. This driving
force of passion, power and pinpoint pursuit has resulted in amazing
accomplishments. However, for others it is
greatly frowned upon as an abundance of people have been crushed along the way
of many ambitious pursuits. The question for those choosing to partner with God
is: Is being ambitious right or wrong?
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. We are encouraged to apply
this attitude of persistence, 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
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 discern where this compelling
drive, passion, and desire is coming from and where it is going. This requires
asking some very important questions, including: What do I really want to do, have or
achieve? Why is this specifically so
important to me? What is at the root of
this ambition? Why does it matter? Is this
drive coming from a place of pride or fear in my life? Is it a response to peer or family pressure,
or an empowered passion from the Lord? Who do I truly desire to be the prime beneficiary of
this pursuit?
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 ambition is godly.
The other when it is not. The
Scriptures where these words are used give us a better understanding of the
attitude behind them that makes them different.
In 2 Corinthians 5:9, 1Thessalonians 4:9-12 and Romans 15:20, the word is philotimeomai. The word philo means to feel. These feelings are
strong enough to motivate us to action.
The word timeo refers to a
sense of honor. This ambition flows out
of an overwhelming feeling that being involved and pursuing this goal is the
ultimate honor. It is such an incredible privilege that doing everything
possible to make it a reality has to be prioritized.
The other word is eritheia. A literal translation is “to work for hire.”
It refers to a mercenary who will do anything to get a pay off. This type of ambition comes from a
self-serving heart and the primary beneficiary is “me.” (See Galatians 5:19-21 and Romans 2:6-8) This kind of ambition can be very deceptive.
As seen in Philippians 1:15-17, we can be spiritually ambitious. However, because it comes from self-serving
motives, it is WRONG, even if the good news of Christ is being preached. Such motivation and self-serving agenda does
not come from God. (James 3:14-16; 1 John 2:16) When ambition means steam-rolling over others
to get what we want, when and how we want it, God is not in it. He is not
empowering, pleased or being served.
There is a simple solution: Philippians 2:3. Humility basically means it is not about
me. The focus of our ambitions needs to
be glory (God) and grace (benefitting others).
The Lord wants us to be passionate about Him and others, as well as about
the calling and gifts entrusted to us.
Through His indwelling Spirit He want to energize our lives with passion
and purpose. Be ambitious with a drive
from, through and to the Lord (Romans 11:36), and your ambition will not be
wrong.
Making It Personal
What is the compelling desire
driving your life?
Who is in the driver’s seat of your
drive and passionate pursuit?
How can you tell if you are the one
driving this ambition rather than the Holy Spirit?
What does godly humility look like
to you as you pursue excellence in your specific passionate pursuit and
compelling desire?
How can you prioritize glory and
grace in you ambition?
If your sole ambition truly is to
pleasing the Lord, as it was for Jesus (John 8:29) and Paul (2 Corinthians 5:9), how would this reshape your current passion, desire and pursuit?
