Ambition is a strong desire to achieve success, power, or wealth. The Bible has a lot to say about ambition, both positive and negative. Here is an overview of some key Bible verses about ambition:
Verses warning against selfish or worldly ambition
Several verses warn against selfish ambition that is focused on personal glory, status, or material gain rather than serving God:
- “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” (Philippians 2:3)
- “For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.” (James 3:16)
- “Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.” (Romans 13:13-14)
These verses warn against ambition that is self-centered rather than God-centered. Ambition for status, wealth, or accomplishments that serve our own pride is viewed as dangerous and promoted by the desires of the flesh.
Verses encouraging godly ambition and zeal
However, the Bible also speaks positively of ambition and zeal focused in the right direction—on serving God and building up His kingdom:
- “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” (Colossians 3:23)
- “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (Colossians 3:17)
- “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.” (1 Corinthians 9:24-25)
These verses promote ambition and zeal to serve God wholeheartedly. This type of holy ambition should motivate us to live in a way that honors Christ and advances His mission.
Verses on ambition for church leadership roles
The Bible specifically discusses ambition for leadership positions in the church. It warns against improper motives but commends the desire to serve God in leadership:
- “The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task.” (1 Timothy 3:1)
- “Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.” (1 Peter 5:2-3)
Becoming a leader or overseer in the church is commended as a “noble task.” However, the motivation matters – leaders should serve eagerly and willingly, not out of compulsion or for personal gain.
Biblical examples of ambition
We see both positive and negative examples of ambition throughout Scripture:
- Negative example: The builders of Babel in Genesis 11 had ambition to “make a name” for themselves and build a tower to the heavens. However, their ambition was fueled by pride and rebellion against God.
- Positive example: The Apostle Paul had tremendous ambition to spread the Gospel. He endured suffering and faced constant danger because of his ambition to preach Christ (see 2 Corinthians 11:23-29). His ambition led to exponential church growth throughout the Roman empire.
- Negative example: Diotrephes in 3 John 1:9 was ambitious for leadership prominence in the church. He refused to welcome the Apostle John and other traveling ministers.
- Positive example: The Apostle Paul urges his young protégé Timothy to stir up his spiritual gift and not be timid, but use it for God’s glory (2 Timothy 1:6-7).
These examples illustrate that ambition can either serve selfish ends or godly purposes. Our task is keeping ambition centered on bringing glory to Christ.
Keys for keeping ambition in check
Based on these Bible verses, here are some keys for keeping ambition in check:
- Pray for God to purify your motives and align your heart with His (Psalm 139:23-24)
- Serve the Lord, not people (Colossians 3:23-24)
- Aim for eternal rewards rather than worldly success (Matthew 6:19-21)
- Approach leadership as an act of service, not superiorty (Mark 10:42-45)
- Focus on stewarding your gifts, not self-promotion (1 Peter 4:10-11)
Godly ambition starts with seeking God’s kingdom rather than our own. It flows from a life poured out in obedience to Him. Our driving motivation should be love for God and people, not personal recognition.
Bible Verses to memorize
Here are some key Bible verses on ambition that are worth memorizing:
- Philippians 2:3 – “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.”
- 1 Corinthians 9:24 – “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it.”
- Colossians 3:23 – “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.”
- Romans 15:20 – “Thus I make it my ambition to preach the gospel, not where Christ has already been named, lest I build on someone else’s foundation.”
- James 3:16 – “For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.”
When facing choices about our dreams and aspirations, these verses remind us to stay centered on eternity and to make sure our ambition honors Christ in its motivations and outcomes.
Biblical viewpoint
In summary, the biblical view on ambition recognizes that ambition itself is neutral. It can fuel both self-centered pursuits or God-centered works. The key question is motivation – are we seeking to serve ourselves or the purposes of God’s kingdom? Selfish ambition tends to damage relationships and dishonor God. But holy ambition prioritizes obeying Christ’s call on our lives. Our ultimate ambition must be bringing glory to God and living out His will.
As the Westminster Shorter Catechism states: “Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever.” This biblical perspective helps keep our ambition channeled in a godly direction.
Ambition has great potential for good or evil. It can drive great achievements or fuel self-destructive greed. Our task is allowing the Holy Spirit to purify our hearts, so our ambitions align fully with God’s will. This leads to a fulfilled and meaningful life of impact for Christ.
We must also have grace for others who struggle with selfish ambition. Pride and discontentment drive sinful ambition. As Christ followers, we can model godly ambition focused on serving the Lord with reverence and humility. Ultimately, only He can transform human hearts and redirect our ambitions to what matters most in eternity.