Generous Ambition
Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.
Philippians 2:3
The notion of ambition often gets criticized—as if ambition is a bad thing. But ambition is nothing more than the desire to accomplish or achieve a goal via determination and often sacrifice. We could say that Jesus was ambitious in that He accomplished the work that the Father gave Him to do when He came into the world (John 17:4).
So why does ambition often have a negative connotation? Because ambition is frequently carried out with selfish motives and actions. That’s why Paul wrote that we should do nothing out of “selfish ambition or conceit.” He didn’t say, “Don’t be ambitious”; he said, “Don’t be selfishly ambitious.” A thin line divides noble ambition and selfish ambition, a line that Christ walked perfectly. He accomplished the work God gave Him to do by serving others in the process (Philippians 2:5-8). We are to be like Christ—considering others before we consider ourselves. As you go about your day, look for ways to generously serve others as you pursue your tasks. Many collapse under the weight and pressure of self-promotion and self-exaltation. But when God promotes, His promotion is sustainable. Vance K. Jackson
Turning Point Ministries
Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.
Philippians 2:3
The notion of ambition often gets criticized—as if ambition is a bad thing. But ambition is nothing more than the desire to accomplish or achieve a goal via determination and often sacrifice. We could say that Jesus was ambitious in that He accomplished the work that the Father gave Him to do when He came into the world (John 17:4).
So why does ambition often have a negative connotation? Because ambition is frequently carried out with selfish motives and actions. That’s why Paul wrote that we should do nothing out of “selfish ambition or conceit.” He didn’t say, “Don’t be ambitious”; he said, “Don’t be selfishly ambitious.” A thin line divides noble ambition and selfish ambition, a line that Christ walked perfectly. He accomplished the work God gave Him to do by serving others in the process (Philippians 2:5-8). We are to be like Christ—considering others before we consider ourselves. As you go about your day, look for ways to generously serve others as you pursue your tasks. Many collapse under the weight and pressure of self-promotion and self-exaltation. But when God promotes, His promotion is sustainable. Vance K. Jackson
Turning Point Ministries
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