True, it can be an insatiable, ruthless killer, but without some, we easily lapse into something much less than we were created to be.
Ambition has been defined as 'a strong desire to do or achieve something'. What is our strong desire today? What do we want to be, do or achieve?
When I was a young boy it was my ambition to be a commando. I played with toy soldiers and thought it would be cool to have a machine gun and blow up Japs and Germans with hand grenades.
Then I went to school and discovered girls and my ambitions changed somewhat.
Then there was visiting the pyramids, riding a Harley in America etc, boxes all ticked long ago.
Recently, enjoying a few days off after Easter I reflected on my latest ambition, to grow tomatoes in my new greenhouse. Now some might say, 'How the mighty have fallen!' but do you know what?
It's ok. Seriously ok.
I read this in 1 Thessalonians 4 v 11: 'Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands.'
Nothing wrong with a quiet life, content with enough of the simple and good!
The Apostle says this is possible when we are at peace with God, trusting Him for forgiveness in the past, power in the present and resurrection, no less, in the future, when our risen Saviour Jesus returns.
Simple. Quiet in the sense of at rest, knowing our Heavenly Father has things under control.
We can work away, loving life and worship, with hearts full of gratitude and joy.
We may even grow some tomatoes.