The pursuit of personal gain and recognition can be a powerful motivator, but Scripture cautions against allowing ambition to become an end in itself. In Luke 9:25, Jesus warns that gaining the world at the cost of one's soul is a poor bargain, while Matthew 6:33 encourages seeking first the kingdom of God. The Bible also teaches that true greatness is often associated with humility, as seen in Matthew 23:12, where Jesus says that those who humble themselves will be exalted. Additionally, 1 Timothy 6:9 and 1 John 2:16 highlight the dangers of allowing worldly desires to consume us.
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What does it profit a man to gain the whole world, yet lose or forfeit his very self?
But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.
For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.
Those who want to be rich, however, fall into temptation and become ensnared by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction.
For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not from the Father but from the world.
Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.
What causes conflicts and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from the passions at war within you? You crave what you do not have; you kill and covet, but are unable to obtain it. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask.
How can you believe if you accept glory from one another, yet do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves.
In this way I have aspired to preach the gospel where Christ was not known, so that I would not be building on someone else’s foundation.
You crave what you do not have; you kill and covet, but are unable to obtain it. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask.
What will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?
Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but enjoy the company of the lowly. Do not be conceited.
All their deeds are done for men to see. They broaden their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels. They love the places of honor at banquets, the chief seats in the synagogues, the greetings in the marketplaces, and the title of ‘Rabbi’ by which they are addressed.
Again, the devil took Him to a very high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. “All this I will give You,” he said, “if You will fall down and worship me.” “Away from Me, Satan!” Jesus declared. “For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve Him only.’ ”