February 27, 2026

Think about all the ways that ambition can bring harm. Ambition is seductive. You may start a job with the best intentions to add value, help others, and support your family. But then you notice that some people higher up in the organization are making mistakes, and you think, “Why shouldn’t I be in that position? I could do just as well or even better.”  Soon the thought of more money and more recognition is driving you to work harder to show what you can do in hopes of a promotion. Now you’re working longer hours and have less time for your family or for your healthy habits like taking a walk or making a salad. Maybe you don’t sleep well because you drank so much coffee at work. Next thing you know, you’re trying to edge out your peers and resenting your boss taking credit for your work. You’re tempted to undermine him next time you’re in the elevator with the head of your division. Meanwhile, your family is struggling because you’re not home as much. Yah, that is the start of the poison of ambition.

Now we look around at society. How many of the men (and sometimes women) who associated with Jeffrey Epstein were there because of the power and money represented in his circles?  How many then were seduced by promises of more power and money if they just went along with the “in” crowd to do things they knew they shouldn’t do?  In this extreme example, the seduction of ambition ensnared some of them in evil, pure evil.

On a simplistic level, worldy ambition can be a problem because it revolves around ego. It is all about “me” and what I want. It can blend into pride and greed and not caring about others. This can be distinguished from altruistic ambition, such as the ambition to eliminate polio, but even that can be seductive on a personal level.

What is the antidote to ambition? There are so many.  Spend time in nature, go for walks. Remember to care for ourselves and our bodies with kindness. Try not to push your body to a state of depletion or burnout. God wants us to be healthy. If you can find a better alternative, consider leaving a job that is toxic. After a big deadline, take time to rest and recover. Consider how to help those around you. On a spiritual level, give up strategizing for worldly success and instead put hopes and dreams in God’s hands, seeking guidance and saying, “God’s will be done.” Take time every day to pray or meditate or do yoga for even a few minutes. As Jesus said, “Seek first God’s kingdom and what God wants. Then all your other needs will be met as well” or in a different translation, “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Matthew 6:33).