Rory McIlroy and the Masters: Is ambition a good thing?

“Never, ever give up on your dreams.” That was Rory McIlroy’s message after his career-defining triumph at the Masters, completing the Grand Slam and achieving every professional golfer’s dream.

From a young age, he had imagined a version of this moment. And for the last 11 years — since his last major win — he had dreamed of slipping on that iconic Green Jacket and becoming a champion at Augusta.

We admire ambition. Golf fans, and many beyond, delighted in seeing this Northern Irishman realise his. To be human is to have ambition — to pursue things we love. But while we admire it in others, ambition can feel like a murky concept for the Christian. Is it a good thing? What should I be ambitious for?

Two choices

Would it be right for a young Christian golfer to have Rory’s ambition — to be the best in the world? In some corners of sports ministry, the answer has been yes — but only if that ambition serves as a platform to share Christ. Sport becomes a tool for evangelism.

For many it can feel like there are only two choices: either pursue worldly ambition and our own glory, or deny ambition entirely.

But I think the Bible offers a richer vision. Paul writes that we have been “created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Eph. 2:10) These aren’t for our boasting, but to be carried out in gratitude and for God’s glory.

Jesus tells us these works are to, “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matt. 5:16) That includes speaking of Him, but also using our gifts and talents wholeheartedly. As C.S. Lewis put it, “If [ambition] means simply wanting to do a thing well, then it is good.”

Godly ambition seeks the good of others and the glory of God. Theologian John Stott echoed this: “Christians should be eager to develop their gifts... not to boost their own ego or build their own empire, but to bring glory to God.”

Many elite Christian athletes are attempting to do just this. Loving their teammates and opponents and serving them and speaking of Jesus as opportunities arise. Praise God they had the ambition and dedication to get to where God has now placed them.