I have had several conversations with people about avoiding the pitfall of self-promotion. It’s a dangerous pitfall that I have witnessed many people jump into. In our impatience, we can simply decide that if we are to experience the things that God has promised us, then we must push forward now…otherwise it’ll be too late.
Sound familiar?
Abraham did this and bore Ishmael. David waited for God to promote him as king, even though he had been long anointed to be so. Even when everyone around him encouraged him to kill Saul and take the throne, he waited on the Lord. A man after God’s own heart, for sure.
Which would you rather be?
I have committed to eschewing self-promotion at all costs. It’s hard to step so far back, but the reward is beyond worth it. Deeper levels of intimacy with God are always worth it.
When we avoid promoting ourselves, we are actually following in Jesus’ footsteps. Read this…
And no one can become a high priest simply because he wants such an honor. He must be called by God for this work, just as Aaron was. That is why Christ did not honor himself by assuming He could become High Priest. No, He was chosen by God, Who said to Him, “You are my Son. Today I have become Your Father.” And in another passage God said to Him, “You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.” While Jesus was here on earth, He offered prayers and pleadings, with a loud cry and tears, to the One Who could rescue Him from death. And God heard His prayers because of His deep reverence for God. Even though Jesus was God’s Son, He learned obedience from the things He suffered. In this way, God qualified Him as a perfect High Priest, and He became the source of eternal salvation for all those who obey Him. And God designated Him to be a High Priest in the order of Melchizedek. Hebrews 5:4-10
If it’s good enough for Jesus, then it’s good enough for me. If Jesus needed to walk through suffering to learn obedience, then I will too. If Jesus knew enough to wait on God to promote Him, then I can submit to the same process. You see?
This is all so convicting…but it’s worth it.
God, please forgive me for any time that I have sought to promote myself. Help me to see the difference between Your promotion and my own. I long to walk more like Jesus. Teach me. I will wait on You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
365 Days in the Presence 