Ambition, in the context of the Bible, is a complex trait that can be viewed both positively and negatively, depending on its motivation and outcome. The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings that help to understand the nature of ambition and its place in a believer's life.

Positive Aspects of Ambition

When ambition is aligned with God's will and purposes, it can be a driving force for good. The Apostle Paul exemplifies godly ambition in his ministry. In Romans 15:20 , Paul states, "It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known, so that I would not be building on someone else’s foundation." Here, Paul's ambition is directed towards spreading the Gospel and fulfilling the Great Commission, demonstrating that ambition can be a tool for advancing God's kingdom.

Similarly, in 1 Thessalonians 4:11 , believers are encouraged to "make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we instructed you." This passage suggests that ambition, when focused on living a life of integrity and diligence, is commendable and aligns with Christian values.

Negative Aspects of Ambition

Conversely, ambition can become sinful when it is self-centered and driven by pride or a desire for personal glory. James 3:16 warns, "For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every evil practice." This verse highlights the destructive nature of ambition that is rooted in selfishness, leading to chaos and moral decay.

The account of the Tower of Babel in Genesis 11:1-9 serves as a cautionary tale about ungodly ambition. The people sought to make a name for themselves by building a tower to the heavens, disregarding God's command to fill the earth. Their ambition was not to honor God but to elevate themselves, resulting in their plans being thwarted and their language confused.

Ambition in Leadership

The Bible also addresses ambition in the context of leadership. In 1 Timothy 3:1 , Paul writes, "Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task." This indicates that aspiring to leadership within the church is a worthy ambition, provided it is pursued with humility and a servant's heart, as further emphasized in Mark 10:43-44 : "Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be the slave of all."

Conclusion

The Bible presents a balanced view of ambition, recognizing its potential for both good and harm. Believers are encouraged to examine their motives and ensure that their ambitions align with God's will, seeking to glorify Him rather than themselves.1. (a.) Greatly desirous of superiority, power, honor, office, or distinction.

2. (a.) Strongly desirous; -- followed by of or the infinitive; as, ambitious to be or to do something.

3. (a.) Springing from, characterized by, or indicating, ambition; showy; aspiring; as, an ambitious style.

AMBITIOUS

am-bish'-us (philotimeomai, "to be strongly desirous," "strive earnestly," "make it one's aim"): Given as a marginal reading in Romans 15:20 ("being ambitious to bring good tidings"), 2 Corinthians 5:9 ("We are ambitious, whether at home or absent, to be well-pleasing unto him"), and 1 Thessalonians 4:11 ("that ye be ambitious to be quiet").

5383. philoproteuo -- to strive to be first
... to wish to be first. From a compound of philos and protos; to be fond of being first,
ie Ambitious of distinction -- love to have the preeminence. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5383.htm - 6k

2052. eritheia -- rivalry, hence ambition
... Origin from erithos (day-laborer) Definition rivalry, hence ambition NASB Word Usage
disputes (2), selfish ambition (3), selfishly ambitious (1), selfishness (1 ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2052.htm - 7k

Ambition in Service.
... deep.". We are to be ambitious in service. Jesus was ambitious. ... it. That for
which a man is ambitious decides the quality of the word. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks on service/ambition in service.htm

The Story of Hazael
... As is usually the case, Hazael the successful soldier becomes ambitious. His sword
seems to be the real sceptre, and he will have the dominion. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/the story of hazael.htm

"As the Stars. "
... And the promise of that old prophetic bit is this: "They shall shine." You know
everybody wants to shine. It is right to be ambitious, with a right ambition. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks on service/as the stars.htm

West by Way of the East.
... Japan is both bright and ambitious to an almost abnormal degree, and as tricky in
its dealings, and morally unclean in its life, as it is bright and ambitious. ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks with world winners/west by way of the.htm

God's Sovereignty.
... It is the best plan. For God is ambitious for us; more ambitious for you and me
than we are for ourselves, though few of us really believe that. ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks with world winners/gods sovereignty.htm

The World-Winning Climb.
... earnestly. But it made no impression on the ambitious youth. ... That record is in
safety above.". We laugh at the ambitious young Englishman. But ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks with world winners/the world-winning climb.htm

Concerning the Tabernacle which Moses Built in the Wilderness for ...
... Now when these things were brought together with great diligence, [for every one
was ambitious to further the work even beyond their ability,] he set ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 6 concerning the tabernacle.htm

Christ's Reprehension of the Pharisees Seeking a Sign his Censure ...
... those who caught at the uppermost places and the honour of public salutations, He
only follows out the Creator's course, [4596] who calls ambitious persons of ...
/.../the five books against marcion/chapter xxvii christs reprehension of the.htm

General Characterization.
... Innumerable good qualities of mind and body were apparent in him; he was exceedingly
ambitious of military glory, and had great success in his wars; a success ...
/.../pamphilius/the life of constantine/section 7 general characterization.htm

From the Close of the General Conference of 1816 to the ...
... It has also been objected to Mr. Lee, that he evinced an ambitious mind; and his
disappointment at not being elected a bishop at the time Richard Whatcoat was ...
/.../chapter 4 from the close.htm

Ambitious (6 Occurrences)
... 2. (a.) Strongly desirous; -- followed by of or the infinitive; as, ambitious to
be or to do something. ... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. AMBITIOUS. ...
/a/ambitious.htm - 9k

Ambition (9 Occurrences)

/a/ambition.htm - 9k

Ambush (39 Occurrences)

/a/ambush.htm - 19k

Nebuchadnezzar (90 Occurrences)
... But Nabopolassar was ambitious of reconquering from Necho the western provinces
of Syria, and for this purpose he sent his son with a powerful army westward ...
/n/nebuchadnezzar.htm - 57k

Jehu (63 Occurrences)
... "He was one of those decisive, terrible, and ambitious, yet prudent, calculating,
and passionless men whom God from time to time raises up to change the fate ...
/j/jehu.htm - 47k

Immanuel (3 Occurrences)
... Pekah, king of Israel, a bold and ambitious usurper, and Rezin, king of Syria, formed
an alliance, the dual object of which was, first, to organize a ...
/i/immanuel.htm - 16k

Iscariot (11 Occurrences)
... But the situation, however disquieting it must have been to the ambitious designs
which probably actuated Judas in his acceptance of the apostleship (compare ...
/i/iscariot.htm - 25k

Flourish (26 Occurrences)
... or performed in a fanciful, wanton, or vaunting manner, by way of ostentation, to
excite admiration, etc.; ostentatious embellishment; ambitious copiousness or ...
/f/flourish.htm - 18k

Rebekah (31 Occurrences)
... of character, which appears in every line of the narrative, and prepares the reader
to find in subsequent chapters the positive, ambitious and energetic woman ...
/r/rebekah.htm - 21k

Eagerly (36 Occurrences)
... 1 Corinthians 14:1 Be eager in your pursuit of this Love, and be earnestly ambitious
for spiritual gifts, but let it be chiefly so in order that you may ...
/e/eagerly.htm - 15k

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