is ambition a good thing?

As humans, we are designed to dream, to strive for excellence, and to make a difference in the world. Ambition, in its purest form, is a beautiful gift from God. Yet, like all gifts, its value depends on how we use it. Have you ever paused to ask yourself, "What’s the ‘why’ behind my ambition?" As followers of Christ, we are called to channel our ambition not merely for personal gain but love and uplift those around us.

Healthy Ambition

Ambition is a good thing. We should be ambitious to do the work that God has called us to do. We should be ambitious to make the world a better place. We should be ambitious to hone our craft and sharpen our talents. Healthy ambition isn’t just “me” focused, though. It extends beyond our personal goals and compels us to humbly serve others.

Philippians 2:3-4 offers profound wisdom on ambition: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.” We must examine the heart behind our goals.

Unhealthy Ambition

Ambition becomes problematic when it turns inward, focusing solely on fame, fortune, or personal achievements. John 2:16 tells us, "For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world.”

It is unhealthy ambition that causes us to idolize work and put wealth at the center of our lives. In Matthew 6:24, Jesus says, "No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” Does this mean that money is a bad thing? Absolutely not! Money allows us to steward our gifts well, provide for our families, pursue hobbies, support our communities, and be a financial blessing to those around us. Money, like many things, is not inherently good or evil. In this scripture, Jesus is speaking about an unhealthy and obsessive craving for wealth that rules our lives and leads to discontentment. Ultimately, Jesus desires that we would live free from the pressure to prove ourselves through riches, fame, and personal achievements.

Understanding Our Inherent Worth

Here’s the good news: as Christ followers, we don’t need to prove ourselves to the world because our identities are already secure. Scripture tells us that in Christ, we are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and God’s special possession (1 Peter 2:9). We are God’s masterpiece, created anew in Jesus Christ to do good works (Ephesians 2:10). Regardless of what we achieve, how much money we make, how productive we are, and how much influence we have, we are inherently worthy as children of God.

Letting Our Light Shine

I believe Matthew 5:14-16 sums up the beauty of healthy ambition: “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.”

Our ambitions, when rooted in humility and love, are like a lamp placed on a stand—offering light and hope to the world. We are called to let our good works shine, not for our glory but for God’s. Remember, our true worth is found in our identity in Christ. Let’s embrace our ambitions, not as a means to prove ourselves, but as an opportunity to serve others and honor our Heavenly Father.