Promotions and advancements are a good thing to happen. Who would not like to be in a “better” position tomorrow than today. I mean really. More money, more prestige, more responsibility, more stability, more just about everything. I know that I would like and appreciate more or better of just about anything.
“11And Haman recounted to them the splendor of his riches, the number of his sons, all the promotions with which the king had honored him, and how he had advanced him above the officials and the servants of the king.” – Esther 5:11 (ESV)
What a great thing for Haman. He was elevated to a high office and rightly, was happy and proud to be in such a position. But, that is where his undoing began. He was proud. He allowed the power and prestige go to his head and it consumed him, taking control of his life.
“2And all the king’s servants who were at the king’s gate bowed down and paid homage to Haman, for the king had so commanded concerning him. But Mordecai did not bow down or pay homage. 5And Haman saw that Mordecai did not bow down or pay homage to him, Haman was filled with fury.” – Esther 3:2 & 5 (ESV)
The human condition is one of greed and misunderstanding. Actions by the king were not done in haste and for some personal aggrandizement, Haman was elevated to the higher position for a purpose. It was Haman that took the advancement and allowed it to cloud his mind and soul with the thoughts of being “better” than his fellow man. He was angry at someone for simply not bowing down to him. He allowed himself to be filled with hate based on the actions of one person.
“14Then his wife Zeresh and all his friends said to him, ‘Let a gallows fifty cubit high be made, and in the morning tell the king to have Mordecai hanged upon it. Then go joyfully with the king to the feast.’ This idea please Haman, and he had the gallows made.” – Esther 5:14 (ESV)
Wow how fast that escalated, and look how it happened. Haman was already feeling overly proud since he was advanced, and those around him were benefiting from his advancement. He had already hatched a plot to destroy the Jews in the kingdom to “get back” at Mordecai for not bowing down, and now, the people around him were encouraging him to take it a step further and kill the Mordecai. They had let their advancement through Haman take control of their self.
I look here and see the err of allowing advancement go to our head. We are right to want to be taken seriously and seeking to be better than we are. Even God wants for us to be more than just beings here in this world. But, that advancement is for God’s glory and not our own. I have to remember that all that I am is provided by God and for Him. I have been granted provisions, not for me but for Him. He works to give me what I need to do His will. Sometimes that is a bigger, more authoritative position. Sometimes that is more money to give away. Sometime that is more security to work for Him freely. And, sometimes it is just to say thank you for a job well done. I have to remember that God’s actions are all calculated and have a purpose, and I cannot let it consume me nor take control of me. It is all for Him.
What do you think when advancement comes your way or the way of those you know? Do you act proud and believe that it was deserved and that now somehow you or they are now better than others? What if we were to accept advancement and use it to advance the gospel as opposed to advancing ourselves?
Trevor's Thoughts 