Ambition Can Be Misused
by Dan Jones, M.D.
Philippians 2:3-8
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.
Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:
Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,
but made himself nothing,
taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
and became obedient to death—
even death on a cross!
In the previous devotion on this topic of ambition, I noted several Biblical characters whose ambition was used by God for greatness. But sometimes their ambition was selfish and misplaced. James and John wanted a place of importance at the right and left hand of Jesus. Early in his career before his conversion, Paul made a reputation for himself by persecuting Christians.
As I have observed the careers of my medical colleagues over the years, I have seen a difference in the lives of those likely driven by selfish ambition and those clearly ambitious for God. It is not difficult in the health professions to find examples of people driven by blind selfish ambition. Sometimes the ambition is for money. I have seen unhappy careers in some specialties because the choice was made not on affinity, but because the compensation was high. I have seen colleagues ruin their lives with long days and nights pursuing the ambition of money, prestige, or power.
But what a difference the ones with Godly unselfish ambition have made in the lives of patients and communities. The contrast in fulfillment and joy is easy to see.
Ambition can be a gift from God, but it can be used selfishly to seek the wrong goals.
Lord, thank you for the gift of ambition. Help me not use it selfishly.
Dan Jones, M.D., MACP, FAHA, a board-certified Internist, a former medical missionary to Korea, professor of medicine at the University of Mississippi School of Medicine, Dean of the School of Medicine, and Chancellor of the University of Mississippi until 2015. Dr. Dan Jones is a member of CMDA.
Dr. Jones welcomes any comments or questions about what he has written and can be reached at - djones@umc.edu
Rounds with the Master, Spiritual Pearls from the Great Physician Devotionals are released every Monday and Thursday.
Photo by Sammy Williams on Unsplash
