Is It Godly To Be Ambitious?

The Bible speaks a lot about contentment.  Being content with where we are in life and being content with what we have.  A lot of people misinterpret that in my opinion to mean that we shouldn't be ambitious and we shouldn't strive for more in our lives.  As I've written many times, the Bible is a book of balance. 

Hebrews 13:5(NKJV)

5Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” £ 

Philippians 4:11(NKJV)

11Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: 

1 Timothy 6:6-8(NKJV)

6Now godliness with contentment is great gain. 

7For we brought nothing into this world, £and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 

8And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. 

How do we square these verses with the following verses?

1 Corinthians 9:24(NKJV)

24Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. 

Hebrews 11:14-16(NKJV)

14For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland. 

15And truly if they had called to mind that country from which they had come out, they would have had opportunity to return. 

16But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.

I especially like the way Hebrews puts it.  Our God is a God of excellence.  There is nothing wrong with striving for more, as long as the more that you are reaching for is in line with God's will for your life.  In other words, as long as there is a Godly guidance and purpose.  I believe that as long as we approach it from this perspective God is not ashamed of our ambition.  Does that make sense?