Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit.
Summary: Paul points out something to be aware of. The motives of this world can cause trouble in the fellowship of believers.
Would you describe what you do at work, at home, and for your church as something you do out of “selfish ambition of vain conceit?”
No?
Neither would I.
I suppose that means we’re all good on this topic, and we can move on to the next one. Right?
No?
Okay, perhaps we should take a closer look at Paul’s words and see if there’s anything that applies to us.
In Paul’s original words, “selfish ambition” (Strong’s G2052) comes from a word that means intrigue.
The word “intrigue” can mean arousing curiosity, but it can also mean making “secret plans to do something illicit or detrimental to someone.”*
I think Paul is using the word’s second meaning in this case.
Paul’s use of “vain conceit” is similar (Strong’s G2754). In Paul’s world, the word he used meant something almost the same as the word he used for “selfish ambition.” The result of thinking of ourselves as better than others is self-promotion, like cutting in line ahead of others or trying to gain an advantage for a job by making others look bad.
Hopefully, Paul’s advice is still not meant for you or me, but it is good to be aware of. Satan constantly whispers in our ear, twisting good motives into bad. If we are aware of his tricks, we can be on guard.
Application: Check your motives.
Food for Thought: What happens to Christian fellowship when even one person acts out of selfish ambition or vain conceit?
*Online dictionary.
What happens to Christian fellowship when even one person acts out of selfish ambition or vain conceit?
There will be no Christian fellowship.
Sweet and simple!
Thank you, Ron! 🙂
I liked Ron’s very simple answer.
I think deception goes hand-in-hand with acting out of selfish ambition or vain conceit; it is to say “I am claiming to work for Christ, but I am really working for myself.” This gives rise to manipulation and controlling others, and loyalties outside of Christ, which brings strife inside the fellowship of believers. If allowed to grow it can damage relationships and divide congregations.
What happens to Christian fellowship when even one person acts out of selfish ambition or vain conceit?
Proverbs 16:28
A dishonest man spreads strife,
and a whisperer separates close friends.
Thank you Chris!
Great reference verse!
This is a tough one to answer. Obviously the result of selfish ambition and vain conceit has a negative impact upon community. It is self oriented instead of community oriented. It raises self interest above the interest of others – which is the opposite of what Paul is seeking in this passage and is contrary to healthy biblical Christian fellowship.
However, it is also difficult to do much without having at least some self interest involved.
Jeremiah 17: 9: The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?
God’s grace always amazes me. Despite our natural inclination for self interest above others, He still uses flawed people and transforms hearts to more and more reflect the image of His Son. So once again the answer to our failings is Who He is, what He can overcome, and how He can transform and unify hearts that would otherwise be completely self absorbed.
Christian community is certainly hurt by self interest. But Christ can overcome our self interest by realigning our wills to His.
Thank you Rich!
Your words are heartfelt and true. In a sense we are all grain under the millstone of life. God uses it to grind down our hard shells and reveal the soft malleable flour within.