‭‭Philippians‬ ‭2‬:‭2‬-‭3‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — Then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.

I recently listened to Podcast, episode 52 by Jess Connolly called “Is Ambition a Dirty Word?” In Philippians Paul writes about a healthy ambition, full of humility. We also know that there is an unhealthy ambition that James writes about in‭‭ James ‭3‬:‭16‬-‭18‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.

In your time of prayer and devotion, take some time to reflect and ask God if you have any selfish ambition. In the song Single Mind by Jeremy Riddle, he sings how we should long to please God because He should be our heart’s desire. With that in mind, let’s be ambitious for God today.

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for the teachings from Paul and James. I come to You with a humble heart today. Guide me in removing any selfish ambition. I long to please You Lord! In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

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