Elders Corner 8/29/2010

Eritheia - The Wrong Kind of Ambition

It began as a word that meant "a day laborer" but by New Testament times had degraded past being "labor for wages", this eritheia. It began to mean that kind of work which is done for motives of pay and for nothing else. The kind of urge that has no motive for service whatever and which has only one question "What do I get out of it?" It was used for men who sought public office, not for service, but simply for their own honor and glory and for their own profit. It then picked up two other meanings, first "party squabbles", of jockeying for position and power and second "selfish ambition", the ambition which has no conception of service and whose only aims are profit and power. It is characteristic of the man who applies earthly and human standards to everything, and who assesses things by the measuring rod of personal prestige and personal success. It denotes "ambition, self-seeking, rivalry", self-will being an underlying idea in the word: hence it denotes "partymaking", seeking to win followers.

But two of the seven passages in which it is used also contains its solution. Two other passages warn that the end result of those that live in it will be destruction. (Galatians 5:20-21, Romans 2:8)

"If, therefore, there is any encouragement in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and sympathy, fulfill my joy by being of the same mind and love, being united in spirit and of one accord. With neither selfishness nor conceit, humbly consider others to be better than yourselves. Have regard, each of you, not for your own things, but each for the things of others." Phillipians 2:1-4

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by honorable behavior his works in gentleness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfishness in your heart, do not boast, and do not lie against the truth.

This wisdom is not coming down from above but it is earthly, unspiritual, and devilish.

Where jealousy and selfishness are, there are disorder and every evil deed. But the wisdom which is from above is, indeed, first pure, and then peaceful, considerate, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. The fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by peacemakers." James 3:13-17

Notice the solution to selfish ambition and strife. Replace it with love, fellowship, affection and sympathy. Be interested in others and their interests, not just you own. And esteem others more highly than yourself. Strive for peace, consideration and mercy in gentleness for that is the true wisdom.

adapted from New Testament Words by William Barclay and Vine's Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words by William White, Jr.

Greg Dwyer, Elder