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

1. Positive Aspects of Ambition:

· Desire for Godly Leadership: The Apostle Paul speaks to the positive aspect of ambition in the context of church leadership. In 1 Timothy 3:1 , he states, "This is a trustworthy saying: If anyone aspires to be an overseer, he desires a noble task." Here, ambition is seen as a commendable desire when it aligns with serving God and His people.

· Pursuit of Excellence: Colossians 3:23 encourages believers to work diligently: "Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord and not for men." This verse suggests that ambition, when directed towards excellence in service to God, is virtuous.

2. Negative Aspects of Ambition:

· Selfish Ambition: James 3:16 warns against the dangers of selfish ambition: "For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every evil practice." This highlights the destructive nature of ambition when it is self-centered and not aligned with God's will.

· Pride and Downfall: Proverbs 16:18 states, "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." Ambition driven by pride can lead to one's downfall, as it often results in a departure from humility and dependence on God.

3. Ambition in the Life of Jesus and His Teachings:

· Servant Leadership: Jesus exemplified the right kind of ambition through His life and teachings. In Mark 10:43-45 , He instructs, "But it shall not be this way among you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be the slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many." Here, ambition is redefined as the pursuit of servanthood and sacrifice.

· Seeking the Kingdom First: In Matthew 6:33 , Jesus teaches, "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you." This verse emphasizes that ambition should be directed towards spiritual priorities rather than worldly gains.

4. Ambition in the Early Church:

· Paul's Ambition for the Gospel: The Apostle Paul demonstrates a godly ambition in Romans 15:20 , where he writes, "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." Paul's ambition was focused on spreading the Gospel and expanding the reach of Christ's message.

5. Warnings and Encouragements:

· Contentment and Godliness: 1 Timothy 6:6-10 provides a warning against the pursuit of wealth and material gain, stating, "But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and neither can we carry anything out of it." This passage encourages believers to find contentment in godliness rather than in ambitious pursuits for wealth.

· Humility and Exaltation: James 4:10 advises, "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you." This verse suggests that true exaltation comes from God and is a result of humility rather than self-driven ambition.

In summary, the Bible presents a nuanced view of ambition, encouraging believers to pursue goals that align with God's will and serve others, while warning against selfish and prideful ambitions that lead away from God's purposes.Job 20:6,7
Though his excellency mount up to the heavens, and his head reach to the clouds;
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Psalm 49:11-13
Their inward thought is, that their houses shall continue for ever, and their dwelling places to all generations; they call their lands after their own names.
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Isaiah 5:8
Woe to them that join house to house, that lay field to field, till there be no place, that they may be placed alone in the middle of the earth!
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Habakkuk 2:5,6,9
Yes also, because he transgresses by wine, he is a proud man, neither keeps at home, who enlarges his desire as hell, and is as death, and cannot be satisfied, but gathers to him all nations, and heaps to him all people:
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Matthew 4:8-10
Again, the devil takes him up into an exceeding high mountain, and shows him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;
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Matthew 16:26
For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?
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Matthew 20:20
Then came to him the mother of Zebedees children with her sons, worshipping him, and desiring a certain thing of him.
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Matthew 23:5-7,12
But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,
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Mark 9:33-37
And he came to Capernaum: and being in the house he asked them, What was it that you disputed among yourselves by the way?
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Mark 10:35-45
And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, come to him, saying, Master, we would that you should do for us whatever we shall desire.
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Mark 12:38,39
And he said to them in his doctrine, Beware of the scribes, which love to go in long clothing, and love salutations in the marketplaces,
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Luke 4:5-8
And the devil, taking him up into an high mountain, showed to him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time.
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Luke 9:25,46
For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?
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Luke 11:43
Woe to you, Pharisees! for you love the uppermost seats in the synagogues, and greetings in the markets.
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Luke 22:24,26
And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest.
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John 5:44
How can you believe, which receive honor one of another, and seek not the honor that comes from God only?
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1 Timothy 3:1
This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desires a good work.
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James 4:1,2
From where come wars and fights among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members?
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1 John 2:16
For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
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What does the Bible say about ambition? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean to do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit (Philippians 2:3)? | GotQuestions.org

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Ambition: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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