Topical Encyclopedia
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 AmbitionWhen 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 AmbitionConversely, 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 LeadershipThe 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."
ConclusionThe 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.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
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.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
AMBITIOUSam-bish'-us (philotimeomai, "to be strongly desirous," "strive earnestly," "make it one's aim"): Given as a marginal reading inRomans 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"), and1 Thessalonians 4:11 ("that ye be ambitious to be quiet").
Greek
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.
...2052. eritheia -- rivalry, hence ambition
... Origin from erithos (day-laborer) Definition rivalry, hence ambition NASB Word Usage
disputes (2), selfish ambition (3), selfishlyambitious (1), selfishness (1...
Library
Ambition in Service.
... deep.". We are to beambitious in service. Jesus wasambitious.... it. That for
which a man isambitious decides the quality of the word....
The Story of Hazael
... As is usually the case, Hazael the successful soldier becomesambitious. His sword
seems to be the real sceptre, and he will have the dominion....
"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 beambitious, with a right ambition....
West by Way of the East.
... Japan is both bright andambitious to an almost abnormal degree, and as tricky in
its dealings, and morally unclean in its life, as it is bright andambitious....
God's Sovereignty.
... It is the best plan. For God isambitious for us; moreambitious for you and me
than we are for ourselves, though few of us really believe that....
The World-Winning Climb.
... earnestly. But it made no impression on theambitious youth.... That record is in
safety above.". We laugh at theambitious young Englishman. But...
Concerning the Tabernacle which Moses Built in the Wilderness for...
... Now when these things were brought together with great diligence, [for every one
wasambitious to further the work even beyond their ability,] he set...
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 callsambitious persons of...
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...
From the Close of the General Conference of 1816 to the...
... It has also been objected to Mr. Lee, that he evinced anambitious mind; and his
disappointment at not being elected a bishop at the time Richard Whatcoat was...
Thesaurus
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.
...Ambition (9 Occurrences)
Ambush (39 Occurrences)
Nebuchadnezzar (90 Occurrences)
... But Nabopolassar wasambitious of reconquering from Necho the western provinces
of Syria, and for this purpose he sent his son with a powerful army westward...
Jehu (63 Occurrences)
... "He was one of those decisive, terrible, andambitious, yet prudent, calculating,
and passionless men whom God from time to time raises up to change the fate...
Immanuel (3 Occurrences)
... Pekah, king of Israel, a bold andambitious usurper, and Rezin, king of Syria, formed
an alliance, the dual object of which was, first, to organize a...
Iscariot (11 Occurrences)
... But the situation, however disquieting it must have been to theambitious designs
which probably actuated Judas in his acceptance of the apostleship (compare...
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...
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...
Eagerly (36 Occurrences)
... 1 Corinthians 14:1 Be eager in your pursuit of this Love, and be earnestlyambitious
for spiritual gifts, but let it be chiefly so in order that you may...
Resources
What does the Bible say about ambition? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Herod the Great? | GotQuestions.orgWhat influence did Julius Caesar have on biblical history? | GotQuestions.orgAmbitious: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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