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Ambition is a great desire or aspiration to become something, or to acquire, or to do something. The ambitious nature is something neutral, depending on the motivation, way, and purpose. In the New Testament, two Greek words are used to explain this. The first is philotimeomai, which means the desire or aspiration to pursue or do something valuable or noble. This word contains the idea of striving hard because of love or respect for something. This is the word that the Apostle Paul used to explain his ambition to preach the Gospel of Christ to places where His name was not yet known. He considered it an honor (philotimoumenon) for him. He did it as a sign of his love and respect for God.

The second Greek word is eritheía, which means negative ambition, selfish, emphasizes competition and leads to disputes. People who have this ambition want to achieve something in manipulative or deceitful ways. This type of ambition is only aimed at satisfying their own interests.

So, which ambition are we pursuing in this life, whether in personal life, work, or service? Are all our aspirations, longings, desires, and achievements intended only for self-satisfaction, to elevate and magnify our name? Or, do they arise from our respect and love for God so that we want to glorify His name? May we always be willing to submit our personal ambitions under His noble will. --HT/www.renunganharian.net