Marked by Grace

Is Work Ambition a Bad Thing?


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Should Christians be ambitious at work? Pastor Heath Lambert provides a nuanced biblical answer: Usually no, ambition is good - but it depends on your motivation and life balance. Discover when ambition honors God and when it becomes sinful.


Timestamps

0:00 - Introduction and the question

0:40 - The usual answer: No, ambition is not bad

1:01 - Why hard work and excellence matter

1:29 - Working for Jesus, not just human bosses (Colossians 3:23)

2:14 - Most people need more ambition, not less

3:02 - But sometimes the answer is yes

3:27 - When ambition is bad: Wrong motivation

3:55 - The pride problem - building your own kingdom

4:25 - When ambition is bad: Life out of balance

4:46 - The lack of love problem

5:15 - Multiple responsibilities beyond work

6:22 - Final answer: Usually good, but can be sinful


Key Topics Covered

Biblical Work Ethic - Why Christians should pursue excellence and hard work

Working for Jesus - Understanding Christ as your ultimate boss in any job

The Modern Problem - Why most people need more ambition, not less

Two Warning Signs of Bad Ambition - Pride in motivation and imbalance in life

The Pride Test - Are you building your kingdom or serving Christ?

The Love Test - Are you neglecting family, church, and other relationships?

Multiple Callings - Balancing work with family, church, and community responsibilities

Wisdom in Work - How to be ambitious while remaining faithful in all areas


Scripture References

Colossians 3:23 - Working heartily for the Lord, not for men


About The Ten Commandments Book

Heath Lambert's new book "The Ten Commandments: A Short Book for Normal People" is now available. This accessible guide explains how God's commands apply to modern life without requiring theological education. Perfect for personal study, evangelism, or gifts to friends, neighbors, and family.


Order now and download a free chapter at fbcjax.com/tencommandments


Like this episode? Subscribe for more biblical teaching from Marked by Grace. Share your thoughts in the comments below about how you balance work ambition with other life responsibilities.


Have a question you'd like answered? Send it to [email protected]

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Marked by GraceBy Heath Lambert

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