Scripture Reading: James 4:1-8, Matthew 6:31-33

Today’s reflection is from the Theology of Work Project.

In the workplace, one temptation is to use others as stepping stones to our own success. When we steal the credit for a subordinate’s or co-worker’s work, when we withhold information from a rival for promotion, when we shift the blame to someone not present to defend themselves, when we take advantage of someone in a difficult situation, we are guilty of selfish ambition. The book of James is right that this is a chief source of quarrels.

Ironically, selfish ambition may impede success rather than promote it. The higher your position in an organization, the more you depend on others for success. It can be as simple as delegating work to subordinates, or as complex as coordinating an international project team. But if you have a reputation for stepping on other people to get ahead, how can you expect others to trust and follow your leadership?

The book of James says an underlying cause of selfish ambition is failure to depend on God. We fail to depend on God when we don’t ask him for what we need. Interestingly, the reason we don’t depend on God is because we want to serve our own ambitions rather than serving others. We are tempted by the wealth and pleasure we believe we can find in the world without God.

The remedy lies in submitting to God. We submit to God whenever we put our ambition in the service of others ahead of ourselves. Do you want to rise to a position of authority and excellence? Good, begin by helping other workers increase their authority and excellence. Does success motivate you? Good, invest in the success of those around you.

We also submit to God when we go to Him first for our needs. Are you ambitious because you fear what others think of you? Ask God to be your source of security. Are you competitive because you fear losing your job? Try asking God to provide for all your needs.

Further Exploration: Read more on Selfish Ambition and Submission to God (James 3:13 – 4:12) from the Theology of Work Bible Commentary

Author: Theology of Work Project

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Unless otherwise noted, the Scripture quotations contained herein are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, Copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission. All rights reserved.