HOW DOES GOD VIEW OUR POSITION IN LIFE?

BIBLE READING: 1 Samuel 3:1-21
KEY BIBLE VERSE: The LORD came and called as before, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel replied, “Yes, your servant is listening.” (1 Samuel 3:10)

POSITION IS NOT A PREREQUISITE FOR GOD’S WORK

One would naturally expect an audible message from God to be given to the priest Eli and not to the child Samuel. Eli was older and more experienced, and he held the proper position. But God’s chain of command is based on faith, not on age or position. In finding faithful followers, God may use unexpected channels. Be prepared for the Lord to work at any place, at any time, and through anyone he chooses.

BIBLE READING: Matthew 20:20-28
KEY BIBLE VERSE: The mother of James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Jesus with her sons. She knelt respectfully to ask a favor. “What is your request?” he asked. She replied, “In your Kingdom, will you let my two sons sit in places of honor next to you, one at your right and the other at your left?” (Matthew 20:20-21)

POSITION SHOULD NOT BE SOUGHT IN OPPOSITION TO GOD’S WILL

The mother of James and John asked Jesus to give her sons special positions in his kingdom. Parents naturally want to see their children promoted and honored, but this desire is dangerous if it causes them to lose sight of God’s specific will for their children. God may have different work in mind-not as glamorous, but just as important. Thus parents’ desires for their children’s advancement must be held in check as they pray for God’s will to be done in their children’s lives.

BIBLE READING: Luke 20:41-47
KEY BIBLE VERSE: Beware of these teachers of religious law! For they love to parade in flowing robes and to have everyone bow to them as they walk in the marketplaces. And how they love the seats of honor in the synagogues and at banquets. (Luke 20:46)

POSITION IS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR SERVICE, NOT SELFISH AMBITION

The teachers of the law loved the benefits associated with their position, and they sometimes cheated the poor in order to get even more benefits. Every job has its rewards, but gaining these rewards should never become more important than doing the job faithfully. God will punish people who use their position of responsibility to cheat others. Whatever resources you have been given, use them to help others and not just yourself.