It was the elephant in the room. One just can’t write a book on ambition without facing the hulking presence of humility. In the historical stare-down, humility always won. Why not just campaign for greed? … or theft? But what I discovered in studying scripture and the experience of people pursuing ambition—some historic, some quietly heroic—really grabbed me. Here’s a snapshot: The greatest ambitions are realized on the path of humility. In this short series of posts, I want to explore the goal of ambition found on the path of humility.
Tag Archives: Humility
Humility as Supreme Virtue
January 9, 2010 – 4:26 PM
From Burk Parsons in John Calvin: A Heart for Devotion, Doctrine and Doxology: Humility is the supreme virtue according to Calvin, not only in attitude but in all of life. The Christian's humility should shine forth into the pompous darkness of this world. It is neither our eloquence nor our brilliance that directs men to God; [...]
The Humility of Parenting
October 22, 2009 – 3:43 PM
I have a confession to make. Parenting is the hardest, most humbling task I have to do. If ever I think I have already obtained the goal of the upward call in Christ Jesus, parenting helps me realize how far I have yet to go. While parenting our daughters, my shortcomings are magnified and my [...]
Sunday Prep
October 10, 2009 – 6:23 AM
Thomas Watson asks, "How may a Christian know that he is humble and consequently godly?" He gives ten answers. Here's number eight: A humble man is willing to have his name and gifts eclipsed, so that God's glory may be increased. He is content to be outshone by others in gifts and esteem, so that [...]
Are We More Aware of Our Debts or Rights?
September 28, 2009 – 2:43 PM
"Many will say they are loyal friends, but who can find one who is truly reliable?" Proverbs 20:6, NLT A spirit of self-assurance is a gospel-denying, self-deceiving, friendship-destroying mentality. It is natural to say to ourselves, "I'm doing my part. They should be grateful." It is supernatural to say to ourselves, "I place myself under [...]
Can Ambition be too Humble?
In talking about humility and ambition, think spiritual crime scene. Ambition starts out as a business partner with humility, but doesn’t want to share control. An argument ensues. Ambition gets carried away, whacks humility and the next thing you know humility is a chalk line on the sidewalk. Ambition becomes a partner of one.