Ready:
"Take delight in the LORD and he will give you your heart’s desires.” —Psalm 37:4
Set:
What drives your ambition? A gold medal? A championship ring? The thrill of standing on the podium while the crowd cheers? I’ve been there—I wanted those things, too. But here’s the question: Are those ambitions good or bad? Ambition itself isn’t the problem; the motivation behind it is. We all chase something. The challenge is knowing whether our drive is fueled by pride or by purpose.
Psalm 37:4 says, “Take delight in the LORD and he will give you your heart’s desires.” When our hearts align with God's plan, our ambitions will too. Paul reminds us in Philippians 2:3 that selfish ambition divides, but humble ambition glorifies God and lifts others up. In Greek, eritheia (“self-interest”) describes ambition that claws for advantage, while kenodoxia (“vain conceit”) pictures swollen pride that inflates the ego. Both are destructive—breeding rivalry, division and false glory.
Bad ambition spotlights me; good ambition reflects Christ. And Christ Himself showed us good ambition —setting aside His rights and taking the form of a servant. He lifted-up His followers according to God’s purpose and plan.
Basketball legend Magic Johnson once said of his basketball rival Larry Bird, “He made me better, and I made him better.” Their competition didn’t tear each other down; it elevated their teams and the game itself. That’s what godly ambition looks like—it pushes you to bring your best, not to outshine others, but to build them up. True greatness inspires excellence in others.
So, what drives your ambition? God doesn’t ask you to throw the game to prove humility. He calls you to bring your “A-Game” every time, fueled by His Spirit. Winning matters—but how you win matters more. When ambition is surrendered to God, victories become stepping stones for service and encouragement. On the field, this might mean running the hardest route—not for personal glory, but to decoy space for a teammate. Godly ambition balances drive with humility, and competition with compassion.
Go:
What’s your ambition right now—Is it fueled by pride or by purpose?
How does Jesus’ selfless example reset what ambition should look like for us?
What practical way can your ambition build-up teammates?
Workout:
Overtime:
“My Father and my Coach, thank You for Jesus' example of ambition and service. Let me imitate Him every time I compete. Let me always bring my A-Game, glorify you, and inspire others. Amen.”