Seven Principles for Eradicating Selfish Ambition in Christian Communities
How to Foster Humility, Patience, and Service in Christian Relationships
Dietrich Bonhoeffer in “Life Together” supplies seven principles for eradicating selfish ambition from Christian communities. Christians, he says, should:
• hold their tongues, refusing to speak uncharitably about a Christian brother;
• cultivate the humility that comes from understanding that they, like Paul, are the greatest of sinners and can only live in God’s sight by his grace;
• listen “long and patiently” so that they will understand their fellow Christian’s need;
• refuse to consider their time and calling so valuable that they cannot be interrupted to help with unexpected needs, no matter how small or menial;
• bear the burden of their brothers and sisters in the Lord, both by preserving their freedom and by forgiving their sinful abuse of that freedom;
• declare God’s word to their fellow believers when they need to hear it;
• understand that Christian authority is characterized by service and does not call attention to the person who performs the service.1
Believers should Hold Their Tongues.
I have failed in this area of my life in the past. I have spoken negatively or uncharitably about other believers.
This point reminds me of the importance of refraining from speaking negatively or uncharitably about others.
Gossip, slander, and disparaging others can divide and damage the church’s unity.
Instead, let’s exercise self-control over their words and speak with kindness and charity towards one another.
Holding our tongues also reflects the idea of forgiveness and the willingness to give others the benefit of the doubt rather than engaging in harmful or hurtful speech.
Believers should Cultivate Humility.
Paul’s self-description as the “chief” or “greatest” of sinners (1 Timothy 1:15) should shape our perspective on ourselves.
Having an accurate view of our sinful condition is vital to true humility. We compare ourselves to others, thinking, “At least I’m not as bad as that person.”
Remembering that we are sinners saved by grace alone prevents pride.
We can be authentic about our flaws and weaknesses when we accept that our standing before God depends entirely on His grace, not our performance.
Recognizing our depravity mitigates a judgmental, self-righteous spirit towards fellow sinners.
Believers should Practice Active Listening.
Believers should set aside their agenda and preconceptions.
Believers should not rush to judgment or a premature conclusion.
Believers should invest quality time without time constraints.
As we listen, we communicate that they genuinely matter to us as a person made in God’s image.
Listening allows us to see their needs from their unique vantage point rather than just our lens.
Listening values the person over checking a box or asserting our voice.
Believers should Refuse to See their Time and Themselves so Valuable
Too often, we have the human tendency towards self-importance and busyness.
It means being available and present, not always focused on the next thing.
It cultivates sensitivity to the promptings of the Holy Spirit, who may redirect our plans to intersect with someone’s unexpected need for encouragement, help, or ministry.
It models Christ, who though he had the most important calling, continually interrupted his schedule and plans to care for people’s needs, no matter how small.
It keeps our priorities aligned with serving and valuing others over our perceived productivity or busyness.
Believers should Bear the Burdens of Others.
It recognizes that we are all fallen, broken people who need grace.
Rather than condemning or rejecting those who fail, we are called to bear their burden—to come alongside them with compassion, empathy, and a willingness to help them recover.
Preserving their freedom means not seeking to control, manipulate, or place heavy-handed rules on them in response to their sin.
When others sin against us, we choose the hard path of pardoning the offense, just as Christ forgave us.
Recognizing our tendency to abuse grace cultivates humility and patience with others’ failures.
Believers should Declare God’s Word to Others.
Even mature believers can drift from sound doctrine or cultural influences contrary to Scripture can sway them.
We must have spiritual discernment to identify when a brother or sister needs a word from God.
It means humbly and lovingly confronting sin, error, or areas of spiritual stagnation with the correcting and encouraging truth of Scripture, not just letting it slide.
It fights selfish ambition by prioritizing the other’s spiritual growth over our own desire to avoid potential conflict or discomfort when addressing issues head-on.
It allows one to model how to receive admonition and correction with humility and grace, rather than defensiveness.
It keeps us grounded in God’s word as the ultimate authority rather than drifting into a subjective, feelings-based faith disconnected from Scripture.
Believers should Recognize that Christian Authority is Service.
Jesus said, “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.“
The one with all authority did not come to be served but to serve and give his life.
Christ’s authority flows from a heart of selfless service to others.
True spiritual leaders lead by following Christ’s example of humility, sacrifice, and considering others’ interests as more important than their own (Philippians 2:3-8).
This type of servant authority flows from not having a desire for self-promotion or acclaim from others (Proverbs 22:4).
Those with spiritual authority must be cautious of pride, selfish ambition, or using their position for personal gain or status.
Frank Thielman, Philippians, The NIV Application Commentary (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1995), 107
Here is old time manna from heaven, Waugh