Ambition is often seen as a crucial driver of success, with the desire to advance, achieve, and make a significant impact widely celebrated. However, balancing this ambition with humility can be a delicate and challenging task. As followers of Christ, we are called to pursue excellence in our work while also embodying the humility that Jesus demonstrated throughout His life. So, how do we strike this balance in a world that often equates humility with weakness and ambition with selfishness?
The Biblical View of Ambition
Ambition, in itself, is not inherently wrong. In fact, the Bible encourages us to work diligently and strive for excellence in whatever we do. Colossians 3:23 reminds us, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters”. This verse highlights the importance of putting our best effort into our work, driven by a desire to honour God. Ambition becomes problematic, however, when it is rooted in pride or when it leads us to place our own desires above the wellbeing of others.
The key is to align our ambition with God’s purpose for our lives. This means seeking success not for our own glory, and using our talents and opportunities to serve others and bring positive change to the world. Ambition, when properly directed, can be a powerful tool.
Understanding Humility in the Workplace
Humility, on the other hand, is often misunderstood in the professional world. It’s important to recognise that humility does not mean downplaying your skills, avoiding leadership roles, or shying away from success. True humility is about having a realistic view of yourself - acknowledging both your strengths and your limitations. It’s about recognising your abilities and using them to serve others, rather than for self-promotion.
In Philippians 2:3-4, Paul writes, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others”. This passage encourages us to approach our work with a spirit of service, always considering how our actions impact those around us. Humility in the workplace means being willing to collaborate, share credit, and lift others up, even when we have the opportunity to claim the spotlight for ourselves.
Practical Tips for Balancing Ambition and Humility
Balancing ambition and humility requires intentionality and reflection. Here are some practical steps to help you navigate this balance in your career:
1. Set God-focused goals
When setting career goals, ask yourself whether they align with God’s will for your life. Are your ambitions rooted in a desire to serve God and others, or are they primarily focused on personal gain? Pray for guidance as you set these goals, and be open to God’s leading, even if it takes you in unexpected directions.
2. Practice gratitude
Ambition can sometimes lead to dissatisfaction if we’re always chasing the next achievement without pausing to appreciate what we already have. To counteract this, cultivate a habit of gratitude by regularly thanking God for all opportunities, skills, and successes. Practising gratitude not only helps keep your ambition in check but also nurtures a humble heart. By recognising and valuing the blessings you have, you maintain a balanced perspective, ensuring that your drive for success does not overshadow the contentment and humility that come from appreciating God's gifts.
3. Seek feedback and accountability
Invite trusted colleagues, mentors, or friends to provide feedback on your work and attitude. They can help you see blind spots where your ambition may be overshadowing your humility, or where you may be holding back out of fear or false modesty.
4. Lead with service
Whether you’re in a leadership position or aspiring to one, focus on serving others. True leadership is about empowering those around you and using your influence to create a positive and supportive environment.
5. Reflect on your motivations
Regularly take time to reflect on what is driving your career decisions. Are you motivated by a desire to make a difference, to glorify God, and to contribute to the well-being of others? Or are you driven by a need for recognition, power, or financial gain? Honest self-reflection can help you realign your ambitions with your morals and values.
We are called to pursue excellence in our careers, but we must do so with humility. By aligning our ambitions with God’s purpose, seeking accountability, and reflecting on our motivations, we can navigate the professional world with both drive and grace. True success isn’t defined by titles, promotions, or accolades, but by how well we reflect Christ’s love and humility in every aspect of our work. When our ambitions are guided by faith and a desire to serve others, we not only achieve personal fulfilment but also make a lasting impact on those around us. This approach allows us to contribute meaningfully to our workplaces while staying true to the values that define our faith.