Watch Out For Selfish Ambition

Watch Out For Selfish Ambition

Test me, O LORD, and try me, examine my heart and my mind.

Psalm 26:2

In this passage, David is saying, “If the doctrine is pure and nothing is lacking in the Word and preaching, then the heart should also be pure. At the same time, I still feel the evil ways of my sinful nature. I feel a tendency toward pride, lust, hate, and envy. In particular, the subtle poison of selfish ambition is always beneath the surface. Even people who have a good understanding of God’s Word often stumble over this sin.”

This sin causes all heresies. As the saying goes, “Ambition is the mother of heresies and sects.” Some people always want to be special. They’re never content being like everyone else. This is how they wander off the path without even realizing it. People must pray every day that God would keep this secret rebel inside of them in check. As Paul says, “Honor one another above yourselves” (Romans 12:10). Here Paul acknowledges that the ego—that old idiot—always wants to be the center of attention. As soon as people learn something and can speak about the Lord Jesus Christ, they want to become special. The ego wants people to tell themselves, “Yes, you can get the job done. You’re an educated person. You’re a cut above the rest.” Like a kitten adorning itself, people like to make themselves look good. But afterward, faith and God’s Word are no longer important.

We can’t do enough to protect ourselves from this shameful wickedness. Other human vices are so crude that we easily perceive them, but this one sneaks up on us. It disguises itself as honoring God and doing what his Word tells us to do. However, selfish ambition lies hiding like a secret rebel behind it all.