SELFISH AMBITION

by Kevin V. Rutherford

Paul wrote to encourage the members of the church at Philippi to be united (Philippians 2:1ff). Their unity was only going to be possible if the members of the congregation showed humility. Paul said, “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself (Philippians 2:3).”

Unfortunately there have been members of the Lord’s church who have been filled with selfish ambition. Through their selfish ambition they seek to run the church. Often they run the church into ruin. A good example of such a man is Diotrephes (3 John 9, 10). John said he “loves to have the preeminence among them.” He was so determined to have his way in the church that he wouldn’t even fellowship the apostle John (2 John 9).

Many elderships have been hurt or hindered by men full of selfish ambition. An elder must not be a man of pride (1 Timothy 3:6). Such men who find their way into the eldership can cause a great deal of damage to the cause of Christ. In fact, their arrogant actions may even cause some souls to be lost.

There is no place in the Lord’s church for arrogant men. Men filled with selfish ambition are doing the work of the devil. Let us all remember that one of the key’s to true unity is humility (Philippians 2:3).