“But if you have bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not be arrogant and lie about the truth. This is not wisdom that comes down from above but is earthly, unspiritual, devilish. For where there is envy and selfish ambition, there will also be disorder and wickedness of every kind.” James 3:14-16 NRSV
Series: Curbing Selfish Ambition
Devotional: 2 of 4
Consider the difference between an automobile that demands diesel fuel and one that requires gasoline. If you accidentally put the wrong fuel in the car's engine, disastrous things will happen. The engine will eventually seize up and stop running. But with the right fuel, a car will safely carry us where we want to go.
The same principle applies to the ambition that God has hard-wired into each of us. The right kind of fuel cultivates godly ambition in us, preventing our lives from being characterized by selfish ambition. To discern whether we are operating from a posture of selfish ambition or godly ambition, we need to pause and reflect on what is fueling our ambition.
Selfish ambition is fueled by envy, jealousy, and covetousness. James, the brother of Jesus, directly connects bitter envy and selfish ambition, which can penetrate the deepest parts of our hearts and ultimately lead to disorder and wickedness of every kind (see James 3:14-16). Envy is the feeling of displeasure that arises from witnessing or hearing about others' advantages or prosperity. It often goes hand in hand with jealousy and covetousness. When envy fuels our ambitions, we work and sacrifice for temporary things. Envy fuels our desires, causing us to long for what our neighbors possess (see James 4:2-3).
If envy, jealousy, and covetousness fuel selfish ambition, then grace, mercy, and love fuel godly ambition. The author of Hebrews wrote, "Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need" (see Hebrews 4:16). And Psalm 103:8 says, "The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love." When the desires of our hearts come into alignment with Jesus and His eternal kingdom, our ambition will soon reveal His character and bring glory to His name.
So today, before your feet hit the floor, begin to reflect on what is fueling your God-given ambition. Have you knowingly, or unknowingly, allowed your life to be fueled by envy, jealousy, and covetousness? If so, the Lord is inviting you to turn back towards Him. Choose today to let your life and the ambition driving it be filled up to overflowing with the grace and mercy of the Lord, which is available to you and me every morning.
OnThe3rdDay Devotionals
Devotionals that illustrate Biblical principles in a simple and short format that can be applied to your everyday life.
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