Selfless Ambition

James had this advice about selfish ambition:

Who is wise and understanding among you? He should show his works by good conduct with wisdom’s gentleness. But if you have bitter envy and selfish ambition in your heart, don’t brag and lie in defiance of the truth. Such wisdom does not come down from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every kind of evil. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peace-loving, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, without favoritism and hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.
(James 3:13-18 Holman Christian Standard Bible® ©)

Once when Jesus was traveling, his disciples were arguing about which of them was the greatest. Jesus interrupted them. Instead of correcting them about their ambitions to be great, though, He instructed them on how to be the greatest.

Be the last of all, and the servant of all (Mark 9:33-35).