Tag Archives: selfish ambition

Greg Laurie

Greg Laurie – The Hide of a Rhinoceros

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The former preach Christ from selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my chains.

—Philippians 1:17

It is one thing to be criticized by nonbelievers. I expect that. But what is troublesome to me are those times when fellow believers are the critics. Now, I think there is a place for critiquing one another. If I have said something that is theologically incorrect or have done something that isn’t right, and someone brings it to my attention, then I certainly want to change. I think we can learn a lot by listening to our critics.

But criticism from other Christians isn’t unique to our time. It also happened in the early church. Paul wrote to the believers in Philippi, “Some indeed preach Christ even from envy and strife, and some also from goodwill: The former preach Christ from selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my chains” (Philippians 1:15–16). Paul’s critics were suggesting that he must be out of God’s will by being incarcerated. But Paul knew it was where he needed to be.

Here’s what I have learned. When you are doing a work of God, you are going to come under attack. Those attacks will come from the outside, but sometimes they will even come from the inside. Believers, as well as nonbelievers, can be used by the Devil. So what do I do? I take the advice of a great British preacher I heard years ago. He said, “Every leader has to have the mind of a scholar, the heart of a child, and the hide of rhinoceros.”

So I just press forward with what I believe God has called me to do. And instead of discouraging me and slowing me down, the criticism and opposition remind me that I am on the right track. These things can be a confirmation that we are doing the work of God.

 

John MacArthur

John MacArthur – Overcoming Jealousy

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John MacArthur

“Love . . . is not jealous” (1 Cor. 13:4).

Jealousy thrives in a climate of selfish ambition.

Jealousy is an insidious sin that cries out, “I want what you have, and furthermore, I don’t want you to have it.” It replaces contentment with resentment and spawns a myriad of other sins.

The Corinthians, in truth, were jealous of one another’s spiritual gifts. First Corinthians 12:31 literally says, “You are earnestly desiring the showy gifts, but I show you a more excellent way.” The word translated “earnestly desiring” is translated “jealous” in 1 Corinthians 13:4. It means “to boil” and speaks of the inner seething that comes from wanting something that someone else has. In 1 Corinthians 3:3 Paul rebukes them for the jealousy and strife that existed among them.

Paul knew what it meant to be victimized by jealous people. During one of his imprisonments he candidly wrote, “Some, to be sure, are preaching Christ even from envy and strife, but some also from good will; the latter do it out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel; the former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, rather than from pure motives, thinking to cause me distress in my imprisonment” (Phil. 1:15-17).

Paul’s attitude toward those who envied him was exemplary: “Whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed; and in this I rejoice, yes, and I will rejoice” (v. 18). He wasn’t motivated by personal comfort or selfish ambition. He loved Christ deeply and wanted as many people as possible to hear the gospel. As long as Christ was being proclaimed, Paul was happy—regardless of his own circumstances or the motives of others. That should be your perspective too.

Love is the antidote for jealousy. When godly love governs your heart, you can rejoice in the spiritual successes of others, even when you know their motives are wrong. But if you seek prominence and selfish gain, you become an easy target for jealousy and resentment.

Suggestions for Prayer

  • Confess any jealousy you might be harboring toward others.
  • Ask God to deepen your love for Christ so jealousy can’t gain a foothold in your heart in the future.

For Further Study; Read 2 Corinthians 11:2. Is there such a thing as godly jealousy? Explain.

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread — Country Doctor

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Our Daily Bread

Philippians 2:1-11

Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. —Philippians 2:3

Sinclair Lewis’ novel Main Street tells the story of Carol, a sophisticated city woman who marries a country doctor. She feels superior to others in her new small-town environment. But her husband’s response to a medical crisis challenges her snobbery. An immigrant farmer terribly injures his arm, which needs to be amputated. Carol watches with admiration as her husband speaks comforting words to the injured man and his distraught wife. The physician’s warmth and servant attitude challenges Carol’s prideful mindset.

In all of our relationships as Jesus’ followers, we can choose to think we’re superior or we can humbly serve the interests of others. Paul, the apostle, tells us, “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others” (Phil. 2:3-4).

We can learn to consider others’ needs more important than our own as we focus on Jesus’ example. He took “the form of a bondservant,” and gave Himself up for us (vv.5-8). When we fail in valuing others, His sacrifice for us shows us the humble, better way. —Dennis Fisher

More like the Master I would ever be,

More of His meekness, more humility;

More zeal to labor, more courage to be true,

More consecration for work He bids me do. —Gabriel

Joy comes from putting another’s welfare ahead of your own.

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Charles Stanley – A God We Can Trust

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Lamentations 3:22-23

Trust is a valuable commodity these days. The reason is because it seems to be in such short supply. Selfish ambition, greed, and a “look out for number one” attitude are all too prevalent; some people even find it challenging to trust themselves. In contrast, though, we have many good reasons to trust the Lord.

First, He is the one true God. There is no one else like Him (2 Sam. 7:21-22), and He is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Heb. 13:8). His perfect will is changeless, so we never have to worry about fluctuating ethics or values.

Second, God is the very essence of truth. He does not stand under the authority of some cosmic list of “right” and “wrong.” Rather, He Himself is the very standard of comparison. And because He is truth, we know that He will never deceive.

Third, He has proven Himself to be absolutely faithful. As the Bible says, “The Lord’s loving kindnesses indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is [His] faithfulness” (Lam. 3:22 -23).

Fourth, God is trustworthy because He has absolute control of every situation. Psalm 103:19 declares, “The Lord has established His throne in the heavens, and His sovereignty rules over all.”

Nothing can prevent the Lord from achieving His perfect will, regardless of how difficult the situation may seem to us. Our very lives testify to His power and love. As God’s children, we can safely put our faith and confidence in Him, knowing that we will never be disappointed.