In this article, let's see what ambition is. In fact, this word is not as harmless as it seems. We'll find out why later. First, you need to first look at the translation of this word from Church Slavonic. Many contemporaries, especially young people, are confused in the concept or have never heard it at all. Secondly, let's list examples in more detail in order to understand what ambition is. The definition of this word, of course, is best given clear and precise. Suppose there is a word "honor". Not everyone knows what it is. And we will immediately get the answer: self-assessment when performing any action.
What does it mean?
What is ambition? It is better to immediately give a simpler and more understandable answer. Ambition is the love of honors. What do they mean? Have you seen how people strive to take first place, to lead in any area of life? They can safely be called ambitious.
Believe me, "chesto" does not mean "honest", the word "honor" dominates here. If you divide the word "ambition" into two halves, you get "honor" and"be in love". What do we end up with? Love honor, strive for it. This includes fame, leadership, praise in your address.
Ambition is a sin
Let's take a Christian perspective. Ambition in the Orthodox environment is a sinful act. A Christian shouldn't be like that, because it grieves God. A person should be modest, not stand out among others. Jesus Christ Himself during his lifetime avoided glory and honor when he healed the sick. Such an example is described in the Holy Gospel.
The vice of ambition should be avoided. What it is? Why vice? After all, every victory brings joy. In fact, such joy is deceptive. There is such an episode in the Gospel where Christ tells a parable about the first and last places: whoever sits down from those invited in the first row will be asked to sit down in the farthest place. And the one who sat modestly and very far away is invited to take a place of honor next to the owner. And Jesus ended this parable like this: The Kingdom of Heaven is like this parable.
As modern priests say, ambition is the desire to strive for glory, recognition, majesty. But this is inherent in everything a proud person.
Ambition for a contemporary
What is ambition for a modern person? In fact, various types of striving have existed at all times. For example, a young man dreams of becoming an athlete. They ask him: "Why, why?". If he answers: "I want to become a great champion in the world so that I have awards, respect!". Ambition is here. The brightest and most accurateexample.
Let's consider another option. The man got a job. He is a simple employee with a small salary, but he has the ability to manage. He has a big family, money is not enough. For the sake of loved ones, but also for the sake of colleagues, he strives to become a leader. Having become a director, he earns for the family, honestly pays salaries to employees, helps them, strives to be everyone's friend. Can such a person be called ambitious? Of course not. On the contrary, if a simple worker dreamed of becoming a director for the purpose of leadership and honor, then he most likely would not become a subordinate friend and assistant.
How not to be ambitious?
Let's say a person is on his knees before God, wholeheartedly asks for forgiveness for having had pride: looking down on others and striving to be considered the most important, best of all. And now he is ashamed, tormented by conscience. He doesn't need it anymore. He wants to change.
We've looked at ambition. Now let's see what can be the opposite of this vice. As a rule, a person is modest, quiet, inconspicuous. He only obeys unquestioningly, obeys, unless, of course, the request or order does not run counter to conscience.
He who rejects ambition will say, for example: I don't need a prize, let someone else get it.
