Ambition

“But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”  Matthew 6:33

In the fields of science, art, and literature perhaps there is no greater honor than the Nobel Prize. Many famous names have been awarded a Nobel, including Marie Curie, who accepted one of the very first prizes in 1903, for her work in identifying radioactivity. One thing is common among Nobel winners, something that separates them from many others in their respective fields. They have ambition. Theirs is a consistent internal drive whereby they work harder, push further, and do more in order to move their field forward.

In life, ambition, or, “a striving for honor, recognition, and preferment,” is usually considered a positive trait. Often to be ambitious is not to achieve, first and foremost, for the sake of the task itself, but rather for the sake of distinguishing ourselves from other people. Can a person be ambitious in their field and also a devoted follower of Jesus?

The Bible indicates that ambition is not a characteristic that Jesus wants us to pursue. In Matthew, He tells us in our work and our lives to seek first God’s Kingdom. This is a direct command to put the desires of God and His Kingdom above those things that we might personally desire.

There is a difference between ambition—pursuing personal glory in our achievements—and aspiration. Generally speaking, ambition is more personal and self-focused. Rather, we should aspire to be the person God desires us to become. The leader in God’s Kingdom is not the one who strives to lead but rather strives to serve, and in humility, aspires to be more like Jesus every day. What do you seek first? Is it an ambition in your own life that you believe will bring you greater self-worth? Or rather, do you aspire to be more like Jesus in your life through actions and activities that ultimately bring glory not to you, but to Him?

God, thank You for my talents and abilities. Remind me that everything You have given me is for Your glory. Help me to live in such a way that I aspire to be more like Jesus in all ways, every single day. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.