Spirit and Life Devotional is a daily publication by Pastor Chinaemerem Ibezim, senior pastor of Able Ministers Chapel, a church based in Calabar, Cross River State.
“Do not exalt yourself in the presence of the king, and do not stand in the place of the great.” Proverbs 25:6 NKJV
The stories of Queen Vashti and Esther come to mind as I meditate on this verse.
King Ahasuerus made a feast for all his officials and servants— showing the riches of his kingdom and the splendor of his majesty for 180 days in all. After the 180 days, he made another feast for 7 days for all the people in Shushan (the capital). On the seventh day, when he was most excited, he requested that his wife, Queen Vashti come before him, wearing her royal crown, in order to show her beauty to the people and the officials, for she was beautiful to behold. But Queen Vashti refused to honour the king’s invitation. That made the king furious; he sought the advice of his wise men who said to him, “If it pleases the king, let a royal decree go out from him, that Vashti shall come no more before King Ahasuerus; and let the king give her royal position to another who is better than she.”
Here’s what happened: Vashti exalted herself in the presence of the king by disregarding his orders and despising him in the presence of his subjects. Esther on the other hand did not force herself to the king’s presence. She really needed to see the king urgently, but for 30 days the king had not requested to see her. Imagine being in the same house but not being able to see your husband for 30 whole days. Yet, Esther didn’t take her relationship with the king for granted; instead she fasted and prayed for God’s mercies.
Don’t take relationships for granted, especially relationships with superiors. You may consider yourself a superstar of some sort, or an important personality in society as a result of your achievements and contributions, yet, it’s better to stay humble. Attitude is everything: never forget that. The Message says, “Don’t work yourself into the spotlight; don’t push your way into the place of prominence. It’s better to be promoted to a place of honor than face humiliation by being demoted.”
Have a fruitful week.
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