How can I know if it’s selfish ambition?

One of the things that Christian creatives rightfully fear is selfish ambition.

It’s good for us to be concerned about selfish ambition because, in James, we read that it is demonic.

“Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. But the wisdom from above is pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial, and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.”

So does this mean we shouldn’t use our creative gifts?

If we realize we are driven by selfish ambition, maybe it would be best to set aside our creative gifts for a bit.

But being proactive and diligent isn’t automatically the same thing as selfish ambition. Throughout the Word, we see that having a vision, doing good works, and using our talents is good.

How can we know if we are being driven by selfish ambition?

The clearest sign that I’m operating from a place of selfish ambition is anxious toil.

Envy, competitiveness, and ego often lead me to work to prove myself and earn my place. This creates anxious toil in me because I’m working from desperation. I’m working as if it’s all up to me. I’m working to boast about how great I am.

In short, I lack peace when I’m driven by selfish ambition.

But there are ways for me to lean into the wisdom of God as I do my creative work.

First of all, I reconsider the Gospel. In it, I’m reminded that what makes me valuable and significant is that Jesus loves me, died for me, and made me His own. The Gospel leads me back to the peaceable mindset of working from my significance, not for it.

Second, I lean into meekness and humility. I do this by considering how my creative work can glorify God and serve others. God’s wisdom sets me free from the pressure to be impressive. It sets me free to use all that I have to love God and my neighbors.

In short, the wisdom of God leads to peace in my work life.

And the wisdom of God, with all of its peace and meekness, is like rocket fuel. This is why Paul says in 1 Corinthians 15:10, “I worked harder than all of them.” I admire so many godly men and women because they are both some of the hardest workers I know and because they have a sense of peace about them. Some of them have accolades and are well-known for their accomplishments, while others faithfully work in obscurity. The beautiful thing is that neither feel all that bothered by it.

Selfish ambition does not help anybody. We don’t need it for motivation. Its sinful nature only produces death. Have you ever noticed that people driven by selfish ambition can’t even seem to enjoy their successes, much less their work?

With God’s help, let’s put selfish ambition to death. May the wisdom of God help us come alive to the joy and peace of doing our creative work in meekness and humility.