DATE: Wednesday 15 July 2026
TOPIC: “INORDINATE AMBITION”
TEXT: Isaiah 14:13-19, Ezekiel 28:2-10
MEMORY VERSE: “Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God” – 1 John 3:21.
Ambition is good. To aspire to be someone of relevance or be in a position of service is good. Apostle Paul says, “This is a trustworthy saying: “If someone aspires to be a church leader, he desires an honorable position.” (1 Timothy 3:1), this is to establish that, having legitimate desire to serve in positions and platforms is absolutely correct. However, there exists inordinate ambition which desires positions or powers for ulterior reasons. God knows the hearts of all men and the exact reasons or motives beneath all desires.
As believers, we must not be hypocrites who pretend by saying something but mean another. Galatians 6:7 states “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever a man sows, that will he also reap.” Men can be misled by hypocrites, but not God. God does not approve of any desire that feels entitled, rebellious and arrogant. God will demote anyone who harbors any inordinate ambition and will reduce such a person to nothing. He did this in the two passages for today.
We must kill inordinate ambition which manifests as subtle desires of envy and unhealthy competition and rivalry, the outward expressions give birth to manipulations and scheming. This was seen in Jacob as he swindled his brother Esau. God examines all hearts. No one can hide from God, their desires and motives.
We must be careful not to allow inordinate ambition to seep through our hearts as it is not only deceptive, but also poisonous. It is a seed from the devil the master crafter who lost his place as a result of inordinate ambition. If we allow the seed to grow, it will end in regret and loss. We must stand guard against pride and inordinate ambition. We must check our desires through the lens of the scriptures and ensure that we are not condemned by the spirit of God within us. 1 John 3:21.
PRAYER: Oh Lord, help me to honour you with my heart’s desires. Let me not desire what you do not want for me. Shut the doors of my mind from straying into unwholesome desires and gratifications in Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.