The Bible provides an understanding of ambition, both from a godly perspective and from a worldly viewpoint, highlighting the importance of balance and the pursuit of righteousness rather than solely materialistic goals. Ultimately, the Bible encourages an ambitious drive directed towards serving others, attaining spiritual growth, and glorifying God.
What Does the Bible Say About Ambition?
The Bible acknowledges that ambition can be both beneficial and harmful, depending on how it is utilized. It appreciates the driven spirit but warns against ambitions driven by self-interest and personal gain. When ambition is focused on serving others and glorifying God through our deeds, it transforms into a positive force. The Bible frequently emphasizes the significance of putting others’ needs ahead of our own and using our gifts to make a positive impact, suggesting that even our most personal goals should be aligned with the well-being of the community.
Who Are the Ambitious Figures in The Bible?
The Bible is filled with figures who embody the principle of godly ambition. Notable people like David, Paul, and Moses displayed a profound sense of purpose, coupled with a desire to fulfill their God-given potential. Rather than aspiring for self-aggrandizement, these figures sought to utilize their talents for the greater good and divine purposes. They were successful not because they sought glory for themselves, but because they desired the advancement of God’s purpose above all else.
Why Should Ambition Focus on Serving Others and Glorifying God?
According to the Bible, ambition should be directed toward serving others and glorifying God because it aligns with the teaching of love and humility. A self-focused ambition can quickly turn into greed and envy, which are warned against in the Bible. However, when ambition is rooted in love, it benefits others and contributes to a better society. The Bible encourages us to use our gifts and talents for good, seeking to uplift others rather than solely aiming for personal advancement. Here, the objective is not only personal fulfillment but also the fulfillment of others.
Where Does the Bible Draw the Line Between Good and Bad Ambition?
In the teachings of the Bible, good and bad ambition are distinguished by the motive behind them. Good ambition is driven by love, service, and the desire to glorify God. This type of ambition leads us toward actions that benefit others and align with God’s plan for humanity. On the other hand, bad ambition, fueled by selfish desires, pride, and the pursuit of personal gain at the expense of others, is frowned upon. The Bible, therefore, teaches us to examine our motives and keep our ambitions focused on embodying the principles of love, humility, and service.
When Should Ambition Be Pursued According to the Bible?
The Bible doesn’t provide a specific timeline for when one should pursue ambition. However, it is clear that ambition should be pursued when it is aligned with God’s will and when it contributes positively to the lives of others. Be it making a difference in the community, fulfilling a professional goal, or growing spiritually, ambitions should always be guided by wisdom, love, and humility as taught in the Bible.
Below is the full list of bible verses on ambition (King James Version – KJV). The list is ranked in order of popularity and we hope you find the inspiration you need.
Most Popular Bible Verses About Ambition
Luke 9:25
“25 For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?”
Related Themes: Popularity Money
Matthew 23:12
“12 And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.”
Related Themes: Humility Pride Sports Humbleness
Matthew 6:33
“33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”
1 Timothy 6:9
“9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.”
Related Themes: Lust Money Greed Finances Materialism
1 John 2:16
“16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.”
James 4:1-2
“1 From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members?2 Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not.”
Related Themes: Lust Complaining Arguing
Philippians 2:4
“4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.”
Related Themes: Selfishness Selflessness Dating Serving Others Sacrifice
John 5:44
“44 How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only?”
Related Themes: Pleasing God
Romans 15:20
“20 Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man’s foundation:”
Related Themes: Foundation
Philippians 2:3
“3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.”
Related Themes: Pride Humility Respecting Your Parents
James 4:2
“2 Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not.”
Related Themes: Lust Envy And Jealousy Prayer Killing
Matthew 16:26
“26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?”
Related Themes: Life Lust Success Peer Pressure Vanity
Romans 12:16
“16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.”
Related Themes: Pride Humility Frustration Judging Others Attitude
Colossians 2:8
“8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.”
Related Themes: Education Greatness Discernment Learning Wisdom
Matthew 23:5-7
“5 But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,6 And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues,7 And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi.”
Related Themes: Hypocrisy
Matthew 4:8-10
“8 Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;9 And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.10 Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.”
Jeremiah 45:5
“5 And seekest thou great things for thyself? seek them not: for, behold, I will bring evil upon all flesh, saith the LORD: but thy life will I give unto thee for a prey in all places whither thou goest.”
Related Themes: Frustration Humility
1 Timothy 3:1
“1 This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.”
Related Themes: Leadership Arguing Strangers Abuse Elders
Isaiah 14:12-15
“12 How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!13 For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.15 Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.”
Related Themes: Pride Bitterness Reaping Satan
Luke 22:26
“26 But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve.”
Related Themes: Humility Leadership
James 1:22
“22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.”
Related Themes: Fidelity Laziness Reaping Deception Obedience
Romans 2:8
“8 But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath,”
Related Themes: Indulgence Pride Selfishness Self Seeking Strife
