Defeating Enemies of SuccessSample

The Key to Defeating Selfish Ambition

Have you recently felt invisible and unrecognized for who you are, your work, or the gifts in your life?

I know I’ve felt that way before. While I was at Bible school, two friends—whom I had discipled—were promoted to Resident Advisors and leaders… while I was passed over. They were now checking my room weekly. Fortunately, rather than allowing it to enflame me, I sought God and allowed it to grow me.

I’ve learned that if we’re not careful, we often strive and overly promote ourselves when we feel unseen and passed over. This is nothing new. In the Old Testament, Adonijah—one of King David’s sons—paints a vivid picture of the dangers of selfish ambition.

You see, Adonijah had three older brothers—all of whom died before his father, David, passed away. So, as the oldest living son, it would seem Adonijah’s next in line for the throne. Instead, David planned for Adonijah’s younger brother, Solomon, to inherit the throne. Adonijah felt passed over and was consumed with selfish ambition. He vowed to settle for nothing less than the throne. 1 Kings 1:5 says, Now Adonijah, whose mother was Haggith, put himself forward and said, “I will be king.” So he got chariots and horses ready, with fifty men to run ahead of him.

Although God put Solomon on the throne, Adonijah couldn’t accept it. Ultimately, Adonijah’s plans fell apart, and his scheming cost him his life. The truth is Adonijah didn’t trust the Lord at all. He only trusted himself—his own wit, schemes, and self-importance.

Who do you trust when things don’t go how you want?

Friend, be encouraged today—God has a great plan for your life, and you can trust Him! There’s a divine appointment God has for you—and you only—to fulfill. I love what Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

As you place your trust in God, you will walk in victory over selfish ambition.

As you engage with God’s Word:

● What is God saying to me?

● What does it mean to me?

● How can I apply what God is teaching me?

● How can I be specific in prayer today?

After you reflect on these questions, bring everything to God in prayer.