AMBITIONS (#2)

I've been thinking about AMBITIONS, particularly healthy ambition and selfish ambitions.

In light of Matthew 20:25-28, Jesus' counter-cultural message of servanthood as a path to greatness, how does that affect our own ambitions.

Is healthy ambition selfish ambition?

NO.

God has wired us to grow, create, achieve, build, etc.
Adam and Eve could not have named the animals or managed the earth without ambition.
Cain could not have built cities...
Joseph could not have managed Egypt...
David could not have conquered nations...
Paul could not have produced tents (his side line business to fund his ministry)
Jesus' earthly dad could not have built much furniture as a carpenter...
Teachers can't inspire students without it...
Coaches can't produce athletes...
Parents can't lead their homes...
You get the point.

Ambition is wired into us for the good of others and the world. It's good!

Ambition gets us up in the morning. It gets us working hard. It moves us to get promoted. It gives us purpose for the day, week. It produces products, services, landscaping, clean homes, good food, good grades.

Ambition is God honoring.

Selfish Ambition is different.

We can do some of the same things but for the wrong reasons. Instead of managers helping their employees succeed, she uses them so she can succeed. Instead of CEO's serving the greater good, their every day choices are about their wealth, fame, pride (e.g. 2008 financial news). Instead of working in a warehouse because it's honorable, we work to consume or accumulate more possessions for our entertainment.
Even pastors/ministers can preach and lead for their own glory and advancement instead of God's glory and the growth of others.

Ambition can be healthy.
Selfish Ambition can turn something good into something bad.

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. (Phil. 2:3)