Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  5000 Humanity  »  5760 Human attitudes and behaviour  »  5785 ambition  »  5787 ambition, positive aspects of

In its positive sense, ambition is a personal desire for spiritual progress or achievement.

A longing for God and for what he can do in the believer

Matthew 5:6; Philippians 3:13-14 See also Philippians 3:10; Psalm 40:8; Luke 13:24; Colossians 1:29; 1 Thessalonians 4:11; 2 Timothy 2:15; Hebrews 12:1; 1 Peter 2:2; 2 Peter 3:14

The desire for spiritual gifts

1 Corinthians 14:12 See also 1 Kings 3:10-14 pp 2 Chronicles 1:11-12; 1 Corinthians 12:31; Corinthians 14:1,39

The desire for a leadership role in the church

1 Timothy 3:1

The longing for communion with God

Psalm 27:4 See also Psalm 73:25; Psalm 84:2

The compelling desire to preach the gospel

Romans 15:20 See also 1 Corinthians 9:16; Philippians 1:15-18 Jesus Christ can be proclaimed, despite selfish personal ambition.

Focus on future rewards

1 Corinthians 9:24-27 See also 2 Timothy 4:8; Hebrews 10:35-36; Hebrews 11:26

See also

5840  eagerness
5904  maturity, spiritual
7754  preaching
7966  spiritual gifts
8114  discipleship
8134  knowing God
8206  Christlikeness
8266  holiness
8424  evangelism
8441  goals
8461  priorities
8465  progress