Pride and Promotion
How many are frustrated because they feel they’re long overdue a promotion? Perhaps, some have experienced being passed over for one. Pride may be a reason it has yet to happen. “I worked hard for that promotion. I’ve been diligent, and so I believe I deserve it.” That might be a fair assessment, or is it?
Consider the following questions: what motivates you? You might say you’re diligent, but are you faithful? If you are faithful, to whom are you faithful? Do you work well with others, or does your ego get in the way? Are you open to suggestions? Are you teachable? Can you receive correction? Have you considered the chastisement of the Lord? Do you enjoy working with prideful people? Does the promotion tie-in with your identity?
James 4:6 But He giveth more grace. Wherefore He saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
If you operate from the standpoint of pride, do not be surprised if you’re met with resistance. The world teaches us to be self-promoters, but is that the way of the Kingdom? Having a resume’, and having a quiet confidence are appropriate. On the other hand, pride and arrogance, not so much.
Jesus and Promotion
It would behoove all of us to consider Jesus when it comes to advancement.
Philippians 2:5-9 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is above every name.
Humility is the prerequisite for promotion. There are many aspects of humility. One being for whom you do something. Jesus did everything to please the Father out of love. He did not insist on having things His way. Some fake humility in order to gain some a position, which has also crept into the Church. Their acts of service are actually more self-serving than serving others out of love. Instead of waiting on the Lord, they push themselves into positions, which can be destructive. This is especially true for those who enter a position before their appointed time, or perhaps, to one which they’re not called.
Hebrews 5:5 So also Christ did not glorify Himself so as to become a high priest, but He who said to Him, “You are My Son, today I have begotten You”.
Jesus is our High Priest, but He did not take that honor onto Himself: He waited on God our Father to place Him in that position.
Psalm 75:6-7 For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the judge: He putteth down one, and setteth up another (see also James 4:1-6).
Since promotion is of the Lord, it requires humility, and patience. If this has been your struggle, perhaps ask the Lord to show you what you need to see.
