Reprinted from the Theology of Work Project.
Note to the Leader
This study is intended to engage Christians who work in a discussion about ambition. It brings together the practical reality of life at work and the spiritual guidance of the Bible. The study begins with an optional, provocative video. It is not intended as a statement of what’s right, but as a vivid discussion starter. Participants then read a passage of the Bible and talk about its perspective on ambition. Then they explore how to apply what they’ve discussed to their own work.
The study does not require any reading or preparation in advance. The study is intended to take about an hour, including reading the passages out loud. If your group has more time, of if you’d like to continue the discussion next time, three additional Bible passages and a case study are provided for further exploration.
Getting Started
[Optional] Begin with a prayer, according to your group’s custom.
Discuss:
- What comes to your mind when you hear the word “ambition”?
- [Optional] Watch this video clip: “Ambition vs Discontentment – What is the difference?” (The link takes you to 37 sec from the start. From there to the end is 7 minutes). Note: this video is intentionally provocative! It only expresses the opinion of the presenter. What’s your opinion?
- Does God want us to be ambitious? If no, why not? If yes, ambitious for what?
A Biblical View of Ambition
Ambition vs. Selfish Ambition
Read together (Philippians 2:3-11):
Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others. Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death— even death on a cross. Therefore God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Discuss:
- What words, images or characters do you see in the passage that relate to ambition at work?
- How does what you observe in the passage relate to what comes to mind when you hear the word “ambition”?
Applying It to Your Work
The passage above from Philippians speaks against “selfish” motivation, but not against ambition itself. “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves. ” If our ambition is to serve the interests of others—for example by excelling in our work, expanding our sphere of action, or gaining power to make things better—ambition may be a form of service to God. But if our work is motivated by selfishness or is done with indifference to others, we are not aligned with the mind of Jesus. A biblical perspective on ambition may result in a major paradigm shift for some people, both for those who think that all ambition is un-Christ-like and for those who think God doesn’t care much about how they go about their work.
Adapted from the Theology of Work Bible Commentary
For further study on this passage see Do Your Work in a Worthy Manner (Philippians 1:27–2:11).
Discuss:
- What are you ambitious for?
- If your ambitions succeed, how will it benefit you? Who else will your success benefit, and how exactly? Can you ever be completely free of selfish ambitions?
- What practical steps can you take now to turn your ambitions more toward serving others?
- What do you need to ask Christ for?
[Optional] End with a prayer, according to your group’s custom.
For more small-group studies on workplace issues, click here.
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