Ambition
Summary
The desire to excel or gain power and honor, which Scripture views as dangerous when directed toward selfish ends but proper when directed toward godly purposes.
☩Selfish Ambition Condemned
Christ repeatedly rebuked inordinate desires for selfish satisfaction, whether associated with greed or pride. He warned against those who love the chief seats and greetings in marketplaces. When His disciples disputed about who would be greatest, Jesus taught that true greatness comes through service, not status. Lucifer's fall, the builders of Babel, Absalom's rebellion, and Haman's pride all illustrate the destructive nature of selfish ambition.
☩Proper Ambition
Christ's method was to use the fact of ambition and purify it by exercising it on the highest objective. The call to the disciples appealed to their ambition for a higher life: 'Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.' He gave primacy to ambition for Kingdom ends over worldly ambitions: 'Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.'
☩Biblical Examples
Scripture records numerous examples of destructive ambition: Eve desired to be wise like God; the builders of Babel wanted to make a name for themselves; Aaron and Miriam challenged Moses' leadership; Korah led a rebellion against Moses; Abimelech murdered his brothers to gain power; Absalom sought his father's throne. Each case resulted in divine judgment.
