Ambition is one of those things it’s easy to be ambivalent about. In it’s naked form, it sees some catapult over others, with neither regard nor care for the impact their scramble to the top has on those further back in the line. Ruthlessness is not an attractive quality, but it is the price some are willing to pay to get their dreams to materialise.
But ambition does not need to wear this face. It can be a commitment to ensure a worthy dream comes true. It can be about using our gifts responsibly. A clearly articulated ambition can help us know what to say yes to, and what no. Put differently, if your ambition is to be a great athlete it’s a little easier to say no to the cheesecake and yes to the protein drink – but if there is no clarity about what you are hoping for, the cheesecake wins every time.
My hypothesis is that on its own, ambition is neutral – neither good nor bad. It’s the content we give to it that makes the difference. If it is all about me, myself and I, ironically I am not being ambitious enough, for a dream that revolves entirely around myself will always prove too small and too lonely over the longer run. It’s when ambition is outwardly tilted that it interests me – when there is the desire to make a constructive difference.
In my work with AVENIR I often consult with what used to be called the “not for profit” sector – but is now more often (and more appropriately) called the “for purpose” sector. It’s a very ambitious world. Name any disease, and there is an organisation working towards its eradication. We all know how devastating poverty is – but the good news is that there are many groups working tirelessly to make poverty history. And the even better news is that after some major COVID related setbacks, progress is again being made. Or what about those who struggle with mental health issues. My goodness, it wasn’t that long ago that you couldn’t even mention that – but thanks to the focused and ambitious transparency of many, we are making huge strides here. We are so much better for these noble ambitions.
Christians are called to be appropriately ambitious. After all, it is Jesus who informed us that we would be witnesses to the Good News in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8) That was more than a little ambitious at the time – but it continues to happen.
As someone who had been transformed by the overwhelming love of Jesus, I long to see everyone introduced to Jesus in a way that causes their barriers to drop and their hearts to open to the expansive love of God. Here again, good progress is being made. Contrary to the common assertion that we live in an increasingly secular world, there are signs that we now live in a more spiritually sensitive world – one willing to ask the God question, and to follow where it leads. In Matt 7:7 Jesus promises that those who seek, find – and I think we have as many people seeking as has ever been the case. In his Confessions, St Augustine writes, “You have made us for yourself O Lord and our heart is restless until it rests in you.” It was true in the 4th century – and is every bit as true in the 21st. True, some doubt that the Church is able to help them in their quest – and that is a real issue. For all that, there are a fair few who are thinking through new options and possibilities for being church in this century. Their efforts are ambitious – and its the best kind of ambition.
Some wag has said, “Luck is what happens when opportunity and preparation meet.” Many appropriately ambitious people take that with the utmost seriousness and work at their personal development so that when opportunity arises, they are ready to step in and be a difference maker. I’m all for this. If you don’t take yourself seriously, why should anyone else?
But there is an “and yet” that needs to be added to this. There is a way of being ambitious that effectively says to God, “Stand back and watch me. I’m pretty amazing. You can be glad that I am on your team!” True, it won’t be said as crassly as that, but if you analyse the sentiment, it is essentially what is being claimed.
Ambition and humility belong together. It’s the wisdom of Ps 127:1 “Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain; unless the LORD protects the city, its watchmen stand guard in vain.” Or think of Prov 16:9 “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord determines their steps.” It is not all up to us.
Perhaps that is why ambition should not be limited to things that we do, but should also focus on who we are. Ps 40: 9 says “I delight to do your will, O my God.” Or as Dante put it, “In Your will, is our Peace.” My first ambition is to live for You, O Lord. If that sees me responds to a call to end poverty, or to compose music, or to start a local coffee shop, or to commit the needs of others to God in prayer (even as my own needs might see me trapped at home), help me to do that with zeal and commitment. In Eph 4:1 Paul prays that we would live a life worthy of the calling we have received. To work to make Paul’s prayer come true, is an honourable ambition…
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