Selfish Ambition @ Work

Ambition is not negative!

It is an earnest desire for some type of achievement or distinction, as power, honor, fame, or wealth, and the willingness to strive for its attainment.

God’s word makes it clear what godly goals and plans should looks like. It admonishes us that we should be moving forward—in faith, growing to maturity in Christ and setting Christ centered, goals.

Selfish Ambition is described as a desire to put one’s own self forward, in a self-seeking pursuit by unfair means. It is also used to describe unfair power grabs and seeking to place oneself in a high-ranking position, no matter who gets thrown under the bus.

We must intentionally prevent our own selfish ambitions!

Selfish ambition breeds disorder and other bad, hurtful practices and is companion to many other undesirable and selfish qualities.

I myself, have had to examine my own heart; only to have uncovered more than my fair share of selfish ambitions.

So when setting our attainment goals and plans—consider the character of God.

Ask God to help you realign your goals with His heart.

In the workplace, one temptation is to use others as stepping stones to our own success. The higher your position in an organization, the more you depend on others for success.

If you have a reputation for stepping on other people to get ahead, how can you expect others to trust and follow your leadership?

When we steal the credit for a subordinate’s or co-worker’s work, when we withhold information from a rival for promotion, when we shift the blame to someone not present to defend themselves, when we take advantage of someone in a difficult situation, we are guilty of selfish ambition.

Ironically, selfish ambition may impede success rather than promote it.

The underlying cause of selfish ambition is a failure to depend on God, and to ask Him to provide what you desire. The reason—because we want to serve our own ambitions rather than helping others achieve theirs.

We are tempted by the wealth and pleasure we believe we can find in the world…without God. The remedy lies in submitting to God and putting our ambition in the service of others, ahead of ourselves.

Do you want to rise to a position of authority and excellence?

Good, begin by helping other workers increase their authority and excellence.

Does success motivate you?

Good, invest in the success of those around you.

Are you ambitious because you fear what others think of you?

Ask God to be your source of security.

Are you competitive because you fear losing your job?

Try asking God to provide for all your needs.

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves. Everyone should look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.

For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.

Heads up…faith-focused Christian people strive to be aligned with God, His purpose and in promoting others...and God will promote YOU!