Ambition can be both positive and negative. An example of the latter is people who have scratched their way to the top and, in the process, left their claw marks on the backs of you and others they climbed over in order to reach their goal.
That’s not the kind of ambition we as Christian men should have. No, we are to have a godly ambition—that is, a desire to serve the Lord and focus on fulfilling His will. God’s kind of man strives solely for the glory of God and the good of others. This is part of what Paul had in mind when he said, “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1). Let’s follow Paul’s example by bringing our ambition in line with God’s will.
God, when I am consumed by selfish ambition, help me focus on glorifying You and serving others. And when I lack ambition, remind me of Your purpose for my life and the tremendous prize of knowing You. Amen.
Read From Jim’s Heart – Godly Ambition on Elizabeth & Jim George.