Rescuing Ambition

How often have we thought that ambition is ungodly and unChristlike? We all know those in Christian ministry (I use the term loosely in this context) who have labored long and hard to build their own empires which stand as monuments to their significance. People like that are ambitious, but for the wrong reason.


David Harvey attempts to rescue godly ambition from this kind of mentality. In Rescuing Ambition, Harvey encourages us to be ambitious for the glory of God. This means that we will be gospel-centered in our motives.

Don’t think that this book presents a go for broke, reckless entrepreneurial plan for achieving success in ministry, or in any other career path. Key to understanding godly ambition is to know and practice humility and submission. It means that there may be times when our ambition will be surrendered for the greater glory of God. This, of course, runs cross-current to much contemporary thinking. On the other hand, if our aim is the glory of God and the furtherance of the gospel, then this will fuel ambitious effort and enterprise. It comes down to a matter of motivation.

For those who tend to overcompensate by reacting against the empire-builders, this book will be a welcomed encouragement.