Moving Up!

Based on 2 Samuel 1-2, Luke 14:1-24

What kind of lengths do we go to in order to get ahead? What do we sacrifice to get that next position or promotion? While a good work ethic is essential, it's important to remember that our position with God & others matters most! Do we put in the same work to be sure our relationship with God is alive & thriving? Do we burn bridges with others in order to build ourselves up to a higher status? Something to consider!

The good news is, when we stop trying to make ourselves out to be the best, God promotes us to where we need to be in His timing! Let HIM move you up! In our own strength, we might end up in a lower position than God intended, or a higher position which would cost us too much to stay...including selling our humility & purchasing a whole lot of pride!

"But when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room; that when he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee, Friend, go up higher: then shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee. For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted." Luke 14:10‭-‬11.

God is the One who gives is a true raise! And not just in our jobs, but at every point in our lives. Sometimes, we dig ditches deeper than we can climb out of ourselves...we get ourselves in situations which could jeopardize our health physically & spiritually...we've all been there! Just more reason to hang onto Jesus-but it's even better to be completely invested in Him before we fall into the ditch!

David was someone who took steps downward, waiting only on God to lift Him up! He restrained himself from killing king Saul, who was always seeking his life, and God allowed David to be raised up as king in his place (without David having to kill Saul himself!). First, he became king only over Judah...but soon, he would reign over all Israel! His greatest strength was in his humility:

"And his men that were with him did David bring up, every man with his household: and they dwelt in the cities of Hebron. And the men of Judah came, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah. And they told David, saying, That the men of Jabesh-gilead were they that buried Saul. And David sent messengers unto the men of Jabesh-gilead, and said unto them, Blessed be ye of the LORD, that ye have shewed this kindness unto your Lord, even unto Saul, and have buried him. And now the LORD shew kindness and truth unto you: and I also will requite you this kindness, because ye have done this thing." 2 Samuel 2:3‭-‬6.

He was finally anointed king, a promise made years back with the anointing oil of the prophet Samuel! All because he waited on God for the right timing for his promotion. Afterward, he even extended kindness to those who gave honor & respect to Saul's dead body. David's long-awaited position as king didn't make him prideful or uncaring. It just helped him to further extend compassion to others! God used his position for greater things!

"give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again." Luke 6:38.

If we become pressed down, and step down in humility off the "I'm in control" horse (I'm guilty of this much of the time!), then we will receive a pressed down, shaken together amazing blessing from The Lord! It may not be what we want or expect, but God knows what we need and what will make the most sense for our lives...ultimately, it will be better than any position we force ourselves into! When God is in control, get ready to be brought up to higher places!