Christian Leadership Series: Are You Ambitious? Part 2
Are you a Christian Leader who is Ambitious? I certainly hope so. Ambition is a characteristic given by the Lord to run this race and to complete our God Given assignments. The Lord pointed out two types of ambition that He truly wants us to be aware of. Before I dive into that let’s look at the definition of ambition. In part 1 of this blog, I shared the definition and what Healthy Ambition is HERE! Let's get into part 2!
Selfish Ambition
James 3:13-17 ESV
13 Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. 15 This is not the wisdom that comes down from above but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. 17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.
Here are some key definitions to keep in mind about the passage above. Meekness means attitude or quality of heart whereby a person is willing to accept and submit without resistance to the will and desire of someone else, In the case of Christians, this is God. Wisdom means, the right use or exercise of knowledge; and the best means to accomplish them. Boast means talking or thinking with excessive pride and self-satisfaction about one's achievements, possessions, or abilities.
Let’s look at how selfish ambition can affect your life.
1. Is Your Family-are they being neglected; selfish ambition takes up a lot of your time
2. Your Faith-you are doing everything in your strength and trying to check off the box for everything
3. Your Ministry
4. Your Team -whether at work or in a ministry you will burn those out around you because they will be your errand people to push your goals and your agenda. Being exhausted all the time, IS NOT A FLEX.
5. Your character- you risk your integrity. To many people on the outside, it seems admirable because you have all these moving parts but in the eyes of the Lord it is wicked because you have left him out of it.
12 Ways to Identify Selfish Ambition as a Christian Leader
1. Your personal sense of worth goes up and down with the opportunities ahead of you.
When you’re motivated by God, your value is solidly found in Christ every day. Your identity is in Christ and in Christ alone not on whether you fail or succeed.
2. Failure is terrifying for you.
When you’re motivated by God, failure becomes an opportunity for grace and growth.
3. You think you’re the deal or the only one that can get something accomplished. In other words, you think that amongst your peers you are the special one and you position yourself to appear to be the DEAL.
When you’re motivated by God, you know that He’s the reason for everything that you do.
4. You use people to get you where you want to go. This can be a little fox that you try to hide. I heard Dr. Faith say, don't use people to build your ministry but use ministry to build people. Don't forget that these are GOD'S PEOPLE!
When you’re motivated by God, you value people as you go.
5. You take the credit. When you start using a lot of "I Statements" such as I have done this or I have done that. That is a clear sign that you are operating with your strength to get something done.
When you’re motivated by God, you realize how much God and the people around you deserve credit.
6. You strive for the breadth of exposure. Your goal is to always be in the limelight, to always be seen, etc etc.
When you’re motivated by God, you focus on depth in your walk and let God determine the breadth of exposure he gives you.
7. You are always thinking about the next thing.
When you’re motivated by God, you’re always thinking about what God wants to accomplish in your life today.
8. You’re always comparing yourself to others.
When you’re motivated by God, you begin to celebrate what God is doing through others. Left unchecked, selfish ambition turns servants of God into servants of themselves.
9. It’s hard to say no to any opportunity.
You need to seek God on what you should do. When you’re motivated by God, it’s easier to say yes to balance and priorities.
10. You feel entitled to any success that comes your way.
When you’re motivated by God, you feel grateful and that what has happened is beyond deserving.
11. The need to win is greater than the need to love.
When you’re motivated by God, the need to love is greater than the need to win.
12. You are always insecure.
When you’re motivated by God, your security comes from His steadfast love. Again, your identity and worth is in God.
13. You feel like you have to prove yourself to others that you are anointed, valuable, and successful. Stop it. That is a lot of pressure.
To hear the full message, listen to the podcast below. It’s meaty, be sure to take notes. You get to hear some of my stories as well! Join me in this Christian Leadership Series as I share. The top 10 Stumbling Blocks for Christian Leaders!
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