How can I know when I’m acting out of “selfish ambition”?

1 Kings 8:58“May he give us the desire to do his will in everything and to obey all the commands, decrees, and regulations that he gave our ancestors.”

Psalm 26:2, 8, 11-12Put me on trial, Lord, and cross-examine me. Test my motives and my heart. . . . I love your sanctuary, Lord, the place where your glorious presence dwells. . . . But I am not like that; I live with integrity. So redeem me and show me mercy. Now I stand on solid ground, and I will publicly praise the Lord.

Psalm 73:25Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth.

1 Corinthians 14:1Let love be your highest goal! But you should also desire the special abilities the Spirit gives.

2 Corinthians 10:13We will boast only about what has happened within the boundaries of the work God has given us.

Our motives signal whether our actions are based on selfish or godly ambition. When our greatest desire is to do God’s will, when loving and serving others is our greatest goal, when we focus every day on praising and worshiping God, then we are pursuing the godly ambition of glorifying him.