How To Get Promoted

Everyone wants to get ahead in some area of their life; in their career, their job, their status, their finances, their schooling etc. One scenario is that we wait for the “perfect” time; never taking a leap and end up not taking a risk or really doing what we know was on our heart to do. Another scenario is that we strive to make something happen by compromising, and crawl and scratch our way to the top, leaving a trail of broken people as our ego gets in the way of common sense and good judgment.   

Regarding ministry, I’m not sure what is harder: trying to get someone to go into ministry or trying to get someone to wait to go into ministry; both have their own challenges. What do I mean? People are sometimes afraid to do what God wants, to go where He wants, to say what He wants and so they wait. They wait until confirmation signs are written on metaphorical billboards proclaiming; “You are to go and do such and such”, signed GOD. Without a clear sign some people have come to their golden years still wondering when to get on the road and do what God wants.

In the Gospel of Matthew chapter 8 Jesus is talking about the cost of discipleship and some were coming up with excuses as to why they needed to wait. “21Then another of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” 22 But Jesus said to him, “Follow Me, and let the dead bury their own dead.” (Matthew 8:21-22 NKJV). And so opportunity is missed and Jesus looks elsewhere for someone to go on His behalf.  

Equally hard is when someone is so eager to serve God that they try to make things happen without God; seemingly forgetting John 15:5b where Jesus said; “without Me you can do nothing.” We are discontented with doing the seemingly small tasks and strive to doing something great for God. All of us have at one time or another let our ego get in the way and have forgotten that we are to love, serve, and represent HIM. The Bible says that “we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.” (2 Corinthians 5:20 NKJV). 

God calls us; we need to respond (no holding back or getting ahead) and trust that He will use us as He chooses. We simply need to trust that God will promote each one of us at the right time. The Apostle Peter addresses this in his first letter (1 Peter 5). I love Eugene Peterson’s translation from "The Message":   

(V1-3) “I have a special concern for you church leaders. I know what it's like to be a leader, in on Christ's sufferings as well as the coming glory. Here's my concern: that you care for God's flock with all the diligence of a shepherd. Not because you have to, but because you want to please God. Not calculating what you can get out of it, but acting spontaneously. Not bossily telling others what to do, but tenderly showing them the way. 

(V4-5) When God, who is the best shepherd of all, comes out in the open with His rule, He'll see that you've done it right and commend you lavishly. And you who are younger must follow your leaders. But all of you, leaders and followers alike, are to be down to earth with each other, for— God has had it with the proud, But takes delight in just plain people. 

(V6-7) So be content with who you are, and don't put on airs. God's strong hand is on you; He'll promote you at the right time. Live carefree before God; He is most careful with you.”

Wait, until you know that it is God who is calling you, and then go for it. Step out under His leading doing what you know to do, no matter how small it seems to be, and know that God will promote you at the right time. 

(Scripture taken from The Message. Copyright � 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group.)

NKJV = New King James Version Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.  

Altar Ego by One Bad Pig from the album “Swine Flew”
Sunday morning show time
White-wash suit is pressed
Kiss your study Bible and say, "I am the best"
The make up for your character is in your vanity
With such an act you ought to be an Oscar nomine

"Halleluiahs" and "Praise the Lords" are flowin´ from your lips

While telling babes in Christ that you´ve got God within your grips
Into chugging milk, you´re acting so mature
But if you ate the meat of Scripture, man, you´d choke on it for sure

Chorus:
You´ve got an altar ego
The church is your stage
You´ve got an altar ego
Your works are on parade
Altar ego
Forget about the Lord
You´ve got an altar ego
You´ve got your full reward

Offering´s the time when proving piety´s a cinch
Thumbing Andrew Jacksons, so that all can catch a glimpse
Your right hand tells your left hand the great sacrifice you´ve made
But the widow´s penny next to you just blew your wad away

You´ve got an altar ego
The church is your stage
You´ve got an altar ego
Your works are on parade
Altar ego
Forget about the Lord
You´ve got an altar ego
You´ve got your full reward

Your pride has got you on a chain and you´ve become it´s slave
Lay your ego on the altar or it´ll lay you in your grave

You´ve got an altar ego
The church is your stage
You´ve got an altar ego
Your works are on parade
Altar ego
Forget about the Lord
You´ve got an altar ego
You´ve got your full reward