One of the most important things in life is to be honest about our mixed motives in the things we do. Just because we do a good work does not mean that our motives are completely good. And if we do something largely out of selfish ambition it does not prevent us from achieving good things for God. But selfish ambition does stunt our spiritual growth and it always threatens to derail us. God knows that we do things with at least some selfish motivation. He wants us to see this too, because, by recognising this we can begin, with his help, to master our selfish motives. God wants to grow the right motives in us and diminish our selfish ambition. But we must devote ourselves to this and not feed the wrong desires. When Paul wrote the letter to the Philippians, he had already achieved a level of renown (not that this was his goal), for he was a revered apostle of Jesus Christ. But there were many who envied his renown, and so, when he was imprisoned, they tried to step into his position and upstage him. Paul, however, was not competitive like them. He says, “Let them go ahead,” and he even declares his desire that their efforts achieve some good despite their selfish motives. He wasn’t playing their game, and neither should we.
Reflect on what motivates you to do what you do. Ask God to give you a greater perspective.
Read Philippians 1:12-18
