For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. - James 3:16

Ambition is almost always ungodly. Why? Because it’s so easy to deceive ourselves that we will leverage that fortune/fame/audience/attention for good, but it’s so easy to make a thousand little compromises along the way to attain it.

And then one or two big compromises that no longer shock the conscience

The alternative to ambition isn’t laziness or passivity. It’s good works and meekness and wisdom.

Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. - James 3:13

It’s Jesus’ instructions to take the lower place at the wedding feast lest your ambition for the place of honor lead to shame and demotion.