What does the Bible say about ambition?
Ambition, when understood as a strong desire for achievement, is not inherently good or bad in the Bible; its morality depends entirely on its object and motivation. If ambition is driven by selfishness, pride, or a desire for worldly gain, it is often condemned. However, if ambition is directed toward serving God, loving others, and advancing His kingdom, it can be a powerful force for good. The Bible encourages a zealous pursuit of righteousness and a desire to honor God in all things.
The Bible teaches that ambition is a morally neutral drive, becoming good or bad based on its motivation and the object of its desire.
Ambition for Selfish Gain
The Bible frequently warns against ambition that stems from selfish motives and seeks personal exaltation or worldly power. James describes a worldly wisdom characterized by "bitter jealousy and selfish ambition" (James 3:14). He argues that where these exist, "there will be disorder and every vile practice" (James 3:16). This kind of ambition is contrasted with the wisdom from above, which is "first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere" (James 3:17). Similarly, Paul cautions the Philippians, "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves" (Philippians 2:3). Here, selfish ambition is presented as the opposite of humility and other-centered love.
Throughout the Old Testament, we see examples of individuals whose ambition for personal power or glory led to their downfall. The story of the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1-9) illustrates humanity's collective ambition to "make a name for ourselves" by building a tower that reaches to the heavens, a project ultimately thwarted by God. Even among Jesus' disciples, there were instances of selfish ambition, such as when James and John requested to sit at His right and left hand in glory (Mark 10:35-45), provoking indignation from the other disciples. Jesus used this occasion to teach about servant leadership, stating, "whoever would be great among you must be your servant" (Mark 10:43).
Ambition for God's Glory and Kingdom
While selfish ambition is condemned, the Bible also presents a positive form of ambition rooted in a desire to glorify God and advance His purposes. This could be understood as a fervent zeal or earnest striving. Paul exemplifies this when he declares his ambition (or strong desire) to "preach the gospel, not where Christ has already been named, lest I build on someone else's foundation" (Romans 15:20). His ambition was not for personal fame but for the spread of the gospel to unreached areas. In another place, he states his "ambition to please him" whether he is at home in the body or away from it (2 Corinthians 5:9).
This godly ambition often manifests as a desire for righteousness and spiritual growth. The Psalmist's longing for God and His law (Psalm 42:1-2, Psalm 119:97) can be understood as an ambitious pursuit of spiritual intimacy and obedience. The prophet Micah calls people to "do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God" (Micah 6:8), which implies an active, ambitious striving towards these virtues. Jesus Himself encouraged His disciples to "seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness" (Matthew 6:33), an imperative that calls for a significant reorientation of one's desires and efforts.
Some Christian traditions emphasize the concept of 'holy ambition' – a passionate desire to serve God and use one's talents for His glory. This perspective sees ambition as a divine gift to be harnessed for righteous purposes, rather than a dangerous impulse to be suppressed entirely. The key distinction always lies in the motive and the object of the ambition. Is it for self, or for God and neighbor?
The Role of Humility and Love
Central to understanding biblical ambition is the role of humility and love. Any ambition, however noble its stated aim, that disregards these virtues becomes suspect. Philippians 2:3-4 directly contrasts selfish ambition with humility, urging believers to look not only to their own interests but also to the interests of others. This is further reinforced by the greatest commandment: to love God with all one's heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love one's neighbor as oneself (Mark 12:30-31).
True godly ambition will always be in submission to God's will and marked by a genuine love for others. It will seek to build up, not tear down; to serve, not to dominate. The apostle Paul, despite his zealous pursuit of spreading the gospel, consistently emphasized humility and his dependence on God's grace (1 Corinthians 15:10). His ambition was ultimately an expression of his love for Christ and humanity. Christians are called to be ambitious in their pursuit of love (1 Corinthians 14:1) and to "strive for the more important gifts" (1 Corinthians 12:31), always within the framework of love.
In essence, the Bible does not condemn ambition itself, but rather the sinful distortions of it. When ambition is purified by humility, directed by love, and focused on glorifying God and serving others, it can be a powerful force for good in the Christian life.
Bible verses about ambition
"But if ye have bitter jealousy and faction in your heart, glory not and lie not against the truth. This wisdom is not a wisdom that cometh down from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. For where jealousy and faction are, there is confusion and every vile deed."
"doing nothing through faction or through vainglory, but in lowliness of mind each counting other better than himself; not looking each of you to his own things, but each of you also to the things of others."
"yea, making it my aim so to preach the gospel, not where Christ was already named, that I might not build upon another man’s foundation; but, as it is written, They shall see, to whom no tidings of him came, And they who have not heard shall understand."
"Wherefore also we make it our aim, whether at home or absent, to be well-pleasing unto him."
"But seek ye first his kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."
"and thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength. The second is this, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these."
"Follow after love; yet desire earnestly spiritualgifts, but rather that ye may prophesy."
"But desire earnestly the greater gifts. And moreover a most excellent way show I unto you."
Frequently asked
Is it wrong to want to be successful at work?
The Bible encourages diligence and excellence in all our work, as if working for the Lord (Colossians 3:23-24). Desiring success in your profession, as long as it aligns with godly principles and doesn't compromise your integrity or relationship with God and others, is not inherently wrong. The key is *why* you want success—is it for personal glory, wealth, or to steward resources well and bless others? Success driven by a desire to honor God and contribute positively to the world can be a form of godly ambition.
How can I discern if my ambition is good or bad?
To discern the nature of your ambition, examine its motivation and its object. Ask yourself: Am I seeking this for my own praise, power, or material gain, or is it genuinely rooted in a desire to honor God, serve others, and advance His kingdom? Does this ambition lead to humility, love, and righteousness, or to pride, conflict, and selfish behavior? Prayerful self-examination and seeking wise counsel from trusted Christian mentors can help you assess your heart's true desires (Proverbs 16:2, Jeremiah 17:9).
Doesn't the Bible say not to strive for earthly things?
The Bible does caution against setting our hearts on earthly treasures that are fleeting (Matthew 6:19-21) and warns a strong desire for wealth can lead to many evils (1 Timothy 6:9-10). However, it does not condemn all striving or engagement with earthly matters. Rather, it redirects our ultimate affections. We are called to be good stewards of what God has entrusted to us (1 Corinthians 4:2) and to work diligently. The issue is when earthly ambitions *replace* our pursuit of God and His kingdom, becoming idols rather than tools for His glory.
Keep reading