“But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice” (James 3:14-15)
This passage reminds me of a recent conversation I had with a friend that ultimately caused me to reflect on the nature of ambition. Ambition is defined as a strong desire to achieve something, and typically requires determination and hard work. When channeled appropriately, ambition bears great results. Many great men and women of the Bible accomplished their purpose through this human faculty. It is one that we praise even today as the defining characteristic of many successful professionals. The nature of ambition however is such that it can easily drive the will of a person towards self-gratification. It becomes problematic when the desire to achieve becomes the endpoint, when it ceases to be viewed as a means to an end and instead becomes hailed as an individual’s ultimate goal...their raison d’etre. The passage above appropriately qualifies this ambition as “selfish”, because the drive to achieve has no greater purpose attached to it. So, you desire that job, that title, that salary...but to what end? If your response to this question bears no substance other than a self-gratification, I advise you to “think on these things” (Philippians 4:8). Consider from where this wisdom comes. Paul calls it “earthly, unspiritual, (even) demonic”. As believers, our desire to achieve must be intricately linked to our purpose in life. Paul is perhaps the Apostle most notorious for his ambitious nature, which is reflected in Philippians 3:19-- “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus”. But notice also that his drive to excel was linked to a spiritual purpose, that is “the upward call of God”. It’s fitting that “selfish ambition” and “bitter jealousy” are stated alongside in this passage, for I find that selfish ambition often arises against the backdrop of bitter (albeit subconscious) jealousy. We have been nurtured in a society that views greener grass in neighboring fields. Competition has seeped its way into even the most mundane tasks, as we begin stacking our achievements against those of our colleagues, friends, families and (unfortunately) even intimate partners. The desire to excel...so simplistic a thought, yet so profound the repercussions. Galatians 5:19 reads: "Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealously, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these." Do you see a commonality among those listed? Compare this to the fruit of the Spirit, outlined in the verses that follow: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law". Examining the passages in tandem emphasizes the distinction between the works of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit. The former draws its focus inwardly towards Self, while the latter extends outwardly towards Service; the former restricts, the latter releases. Young professionals are no strangers to sentiments of burnout, and it seems these emotions come earlier with each subsequent generation (anticipation, à la Huntington's, for any of you medical folk out there). The external pressures of a performance-driven society can easily sway one to adopt a self-seeking worldview, which culminates into selfish ambition and bitter jealousy. The end result is discontented and disillusioned individuals seeking the fastest track towards the promised land of retirement. As believers, this should not be so. Our mentality should be quite different. Our desire to excel must stem primarily from a heart of service. We are commanded to perform at our greatest capacity (Ecclesiastes 9:10), specifically with an attitude of service to God: "and whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men...for you serve the Lord Christ" (Colossians 3:23-24). Only "then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success" (Joshua 1:8). You may be wondering why I took the liberty of interweaving these two passages when contextually they seem unrelated. The correlation is best displayed in 2 Chronicles 31, and reads as follows: "And every work that he [King Hezekiah] undertook in the service of the house of God and in accordance with the law and the commandments, seeking his God, he did with all his heart, and prospered" (2 Chronicles 31:21). Do you see the connection now? Through this passage we see that King Hezekiah's prosperity was a result of his dedication to service in accordance with God's law. This wisdom is still very much applicable today. Prosperity is not an issue when your drive to excel stems from a sincere desire to promote the kingdom of God. Obedience to God always yields great blessings (Deuteronomy 28:1-14). Let us focus our sight on things above that our ambitions might reflect a commitment to fulfill our ultimate purpose in life, that is, the promotion of God's kingdom. May God bless you as you continue faithfully reading His Word! --Junève, Editor |
Today's Verse
“Behold you are beautiful my love, behold, you are beautiful; your eyes are doves” Song of Solomon 1:15 ESV Quotations"A word spoken by you when your conscience is clear and your heart full of God's Spirit is worth ten thousand words spoken in unbelief and sin." Archives
January 2023
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