Ambition

Do nothing out of selfish ambition.
                —Philippians 2:3

Wanting to do what we do as well as it can be done is a healthy ambition. On the other hand, a desire to get top billing and snag the lion’s share of credit is a misguided ambition.

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves” (Phil 2:3). “Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought” (Rom 12:3).

A biographer of President William McKinley said: “He didn’t care if he got the credit or someone else did, as long as the job got done. He never enhanced his power at the price of other men’s reputations; nor did he take credit where it was not his due.”

Guard against a desire to be preeminent.

There is no human preeminence in Christ’s church.