TAMING AMBITION

Mark 10:37 They replied, “Let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory

Today’s Gospel tells the story of James and John, two brothers who approached Jesus and asked for either to sit on his right hand and left hand side. That was ambition. Ambition can thus described as an ardent desire for fame or power, and in itself it has positive connotations. It can drive mental resilience, fuel forward advance and self esteem.

However, excessive ambition can be unhealthy. Exagerrated ambition can become a source of frustration especially when unattainable goals are set. It can trigger conflict and competition. Ambition should therefore be seen as a servant : one which if managed well, can support development and one which if poorly controlled, can lead to downfall and make others unhappy.

Don’t overestimate or underestimate ambition, but see rather see ambition as a servant which if managed well, can support development. On the other hand, if poorly controlled ambition can lead to downfall and make others unhappy. It is not bad to be ambitious, the danger arises when ambition is exagerrated.

#sly