Article March 25, 1996 Issue

Is ambition right for a Christian?

Kathleen J. Wiegand

Does the thought of ambition seem foreign to the idea of Christianity and its qualities of humility, charity, forbearance, and patience?

Ambition is a word lending itself to varied interpretations. One dictionary defines it as "a strong desire to gain a particular objective." Ambition is often associated with climbing over others, and even shoving them out of the way to achieve particular goals. This is certainly not in keeping with Christian virtues! Yet we can find ambition that is to be cherished.

Through careful scrutiny of our motives and actions, we can cultivate the ambition that is a divinely inspired animus drawing us ever nearer to the perfect understanding of God. What could be more desired as an achievement—to understand better and better the Father of us all? In this understanding all our needs are met, every unselfish longing is fulfilled.

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