This is the first episode in a summer series on “heart work,” addressing common heart issues for those in ministry. Selfish ambition is the inner desire to be better than others at everything that’s important to us. Listen in as we share biblical truth on this topic, with bits of our stories woven throughout.

This is actually a biblical word – the Greek word erithiean – and is in two major places in the New Testament-

Phil. 2:3-8- “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”

James 3:14-18- “But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.”

Selfish ambition, fear of man, and comparison all go together.

There is another “root” issue in our hearts that often is a factor and needs to be intentionally addressed as we fight against selfish ambition: insecurity.

Insecurity is in many ways a root of selfish ambition, fear of man, and comparison. To be insecure is to be open to threat or danger. To be secure is to be free from threat or danger. 

When we are truly secure in Christ- in what He has done for us on the cross, in His character, and in His love and approval personally over our us, then that is what sets us free from needing to prove our worth by performing or by being the best at everything. That security in Christ truly sets us FREE from the threat of danger. We are no longer open to threat or danger. Our success or failure, or how someone might perceive us in a meeting or at work or in a conversation – these things don’t have that power any longer. It’s ok if they don’t think we’re awesome. We no longer need that. 

3 last words of encouragement for those who feel acutely aware of this struggle in your life:

1. Desperation leads to change. “Can the Ethiopian change his skin or the leopard his spots? Then also you can do good who are accustomed to do evil.” Jer. 13:23
2. Face your fear.
3. The Holy Spirit is the Wonderful Counselor.