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 can say Jesus was ambitious in that
He accomplished the work that the Father
gave Him to do when He came in the world
(John 17:4).
Why does ambition often have a negative
connotation? Because ambition is usually
carried out with selfish motives or actions.
That is why Paul wrote that we should do
nothing from “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're to be like Christ considering others
before we consider ourselves. As you go
about the 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