Fruit of the Spirit – Day 15

If you look up “humility” in a thesaurus, you will fine “unambitious” listed as a synonym. What does that mean?! Does it mean that if we’re striving for godly humility in our daily lives, we need to abandon all our ambitions, all our dreams, all our goals?

Not at all! Paul makes it clear that it is the motive behind what you want to achieve that matters. He wrote the letter to the church in Philippi, because the people there were causing division and discord by their attitudes and actions. They wanted recognition for what they were doing and were, therefore, unable to work with others in the church in like-mindedness and love. Their selfish ambition and desperate efforts to make a good impression were ruining the church’s unity. It is the same attitude that destroys harmony in the workplace and families.

We need to be clear about whose glory we are seeking. Whatever your job might be, it is important to set ambitious goals for the projects you are working on and to be dedicated to achieving those goals. However, ask yourself, are you working hard for God’s glory or to get recognition from your boss? God deserves the best you have to offer and he wants you to use your gifts to their fullest.

Pause for a moment today and take an inventory of the ambitions in your life. If you achieved all of your current goals, who would get the glory? Are you striving for you or for God? Take a moment to determine if there are any adjustments that you need to make to the goals you have set, and ask God, in prayer, to help you realign your personal ambitions, so that you desire nothing but his will in your life.