Balance of Contentment & Ambtion

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As we grow, and if we care, we run into the crossroads of ambition versus contentment. On one hand, we realize that we should not be satisfied where we are. We must strive to grow, mature, and move forward. This is true in our spiritual lives, as well as our physical and practical lives. 

On the other hand, we are also  taught in scripture that we should be content. The apostle Paul himself says "I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am"  (Philippians 4:11) And he says it, purposefully, as a virtue.

So now, we might find ourselves in a troubling spot. How do we reconcile these two seemingly opposite points?

Well, if our joy, identity, priority, and satisfaction is rooted in God-in other words, we find our ultimate satisfaction in God alone, which is the product of true contentment- then to desire to improve, move forward, and change in other areas-which is the essence of ambition- is not evil, but instead it remains a God-honoring, God-glorifying, non-selfish thing that is not antithetical to contentment.

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