Dealing with pride and ambition can be unbelievably difficult. We live in a sin-soaked world in which glory hunting is the norm, and humility is somewhat passé. We barely blink when we hear people boast about their talents, or preen and pose on social media displaying some aspect of their enviable life. This atmosphere we breath can make ambition seem totally normal and acceptable. Who would even question whether it’s okay or not to be driven by ambition?
That is why I’m so struck by that moment in John’s gospel when John the Baptist’s ministry was beginning to fade and Jesus was taking centre stage (see John 3.22–30). Never in the history of the world has any individual been more overshadowed by the glory of another. And yet, John refuses to give into self-pity, competition, envy, or resentment. Instead, he says, ‘He must increase, but I must decrease.’
I want to show you seven ways in which these words impact our posture as Christians.
Passionate worship. True worship is lowering ourselves before Jesus. God is not honoured by cold or indifferent worship; it has to involve every part of you. The worshipper is deliberately putting themselves in a low place in order to raise up Jesus over all.
Secret service. Ambition begins to die when we are willing to serve others, and especially when this service is in secret. When we serve with a loving and willing heart, we are deliberately climbing down to a lower place and expressing Christ’s worthiness as Lord of our lives.
Deliberate humility. From time to time you will receive praise and recognition from others for your work or your talents. That is always a welcome encouragement. But humility demands that we do not go about looking for recognition and admiration.
Contented happiness. Ambitious people are very often unhappy people, because they are constantly driven by unfulfilled longings. They carry an inner slave driver wherever they go, and nobody who is a slave can experience the joy of liberty. But the Christian can be released from this anxious striving for glory, and is overjoyed in the fact that Christ has the name that is above all names.
Honest confession. Nothing is more humbling for the Christian than an awareness of one’s own sin. Our entire lives are to be lives of repentance. Jesus is increasing as we trust in his righteousness; we are decreasing as we confess and renounce our sin.
Resolute meekness. It’s fair to say that meekness is one of the least understood virtues. I would define meekness as a refusal to fight for your rights or for recognition. It is not the same as weakness, of course, since it takes great strength to be meek.
Ready responsibility. Jesus will promote his people at his pleasure. He is the one who gives you gifts, talents, and opportunities. Being humble does not mean remaining in the shadows and avoiding all opportunities and responsibilities. It is rather a trust in the sovereign hand of your saviour, so that you can remain content when you are down low, and be thankful when you are raised up high – always aware that Jesus is Lord of your life.