Let’s talk about ambition.

For Christian women in the workplace, ambition can feel like a loaded word. We want to grow in our careers. We want to lead teams, launch big ideas, and finally apply for that promotion. But at the same time, we don’t want to come across as prideful, self-serving, or disconnected from God.

We’ve been taught humility is holy—and it is. But too often, we confuse humility with hiding. We shrink back instead of stepping forward. We downplay our gifts when God is asking us to steward them.

So how do you know if your ambition is God-honoring?

Not just good-for-you or impressive-on-LinkedIn, but truly rooted in your identity as a woman who loves Jesus and wants her work to reflect Him?

Here are three signs your ambition is grounded in godly purpose—plus tips to keep your eyes fixed on the One who gave you that drive in the first place.

1. Your Ambition Serves God and Others, Not Just Yourself

Worldly ambition says: Climb the ladder. Be the best. Get the recognition.

God-honoring ambition says: How can my success be a blessing to others?

When your ambition is truly aligned with God’s heart, it’s never just about you. It flows from a desire to make a difference, empower others, and create space for the Kingdom to show up in your work.

This might look like mentoring younger coworkers, leading your team with integrity, or using your influence to advocate for fair policies and practices. It might look like showing up with excellence not to prove yourself, but to create a standard of care and compassion in your organization.

Scripture Anchor: “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” (1 Peter 4:10)

From the Field: In a recent article on Christian ambition from Propel Women, author Hannah Brencher writes, “Ambition isn’t wrong when it’s driven by the desire to serve more, love deeper, and create change that points people back to God.”

2. Your Ambition is Surrendered, Not Striving

Ambition without surrender leads to burnout. Ambition with surrender leads to peace and purpose.

God-honoring ambition is held with open hands. You’re still taking bold steps, still setting goals, still moving forward—but you’re trusting God with the outcomes.

You know your worth doesn’t come from the title or the corner office. You believe God can use both promotion and delay. You don’t manipulate your way to the top. You take the next faithful step and let Him direct your path.

Scripture Anchor: “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” (Proverbs 16:3)

Stat to Know: A Barna Group study found that 69% of practicing Christian women in the workplace struggle with perfectionism and performance-based identity, which can lead to unhealthy striving. Surrendered ambition requires us to detach our identity from our output.

Faith Check-In: Ask yourself, “Would I still pursue this goal if no one ever applauded me for it?” If the answer is yes, there’s a good chance your ambition is rooted in purpose, not ego.

3. Your Ambition Aligns with God’s Character

This one’s big.

There are many forms of ambition that look noble on the outside but lead us away from who God created us to be. But when your ambition reflects His character—justice, compassion, creativity, stewardship, and truth—it becomes a force for good in the world.

God is the ultimate Creator, Strategist, and Visionary. He made you in His image (Genesis 1:27), so your desire to build and lead and innovate? That reflects Him.

Scripture Anchor: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”(Colossians 3:23)

Modern Example: Business leader and author Patrice Tsague recently shared that, “God-given ambition is marked by integrity and inspired by a bigger mission than your own success.”

So if you’re dreaming big and working hard to see justice done, people loved, or systems changed for the better—your ambition is mirroring God’s heart.

So, How Do You Grow God-Honoring Ambition?

Here are a few ways to check your heart and fuel your career goals with faith:

1. Journal with God regularly.

Ask: Why do I want this promotion? What do I fear if I don’t get it? Who could be blessed by me succeeding here?

2. Create a prayer partnership.

Find a friend or mentor to pray with you weekly about your goals, your mindset, and your growth. Invite God into every part of your career.

3. Celebrate progress, not just wins.

Sometimes the most faith-filled ambition is staying consistent when no one is watching.

4. Ask the Holy Spirit for daily discernment.

Before you jump into a new opportunity, pause and ask: Is this where You want me?

5. Encourage ambition in others.

Champion your coworkers. Brag on the intern. Speak life into the woman sitting across from you at the meeting.

Ambition doesn’t have to be a burden. It can be a blessing.

God wired you with passion and purpose for a reason. When you direct your drive toward serving others, surrender the outcome to Him, and walk in His character, your ambition becomes an act of worship.

So keep setting goals. Keep stepping up. Keep asking God to shape your dreams.

Because a faithful, ambitious woman? She’s not prideful. She’s powerful—in the hands of a powerful God.

Since 2013, Jordan has helped 4word tell its story and live out its mission through 4word’s digital content. She is the host of 4word’s podcasts, Work, Love, Pray and Driven 4word. Jordan also writes and coordinates the weekly 4word blogs and emails, and oversees the social media team.

When not writing for 4word, Jordan enjoys working on her latest book idea, catching up on the latest episode of Supernatural, and going “Pin crazy” on Pinterest as she and her family dream about homestead living. Jordan holds a BS in Advertising and Public Relations from Liberty University and an MFA in Creative Writing from Full Sail University. She lives in Monroe, Georgia, with her husband, DJ, and their young children.