Humility Before Promotion

James 2:1-9 (KJV)
¹  My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons.
²  For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment;
³  And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool:
⁴  Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?
⁵  Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?
⁶  But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats?
⁷  Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called?
⁸  If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well:
⁹  But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.

The maturation process should not be underestimated. It is a requirement for all Christians (if they are going to have longevity) to become developed, established, and to exhibit a healthy demeanor in all areas of life. One of the problems I see that tarnishes the image of Christ is placing high-profile people who profess their acceptance of Jesus Christ immediately into a place of leadership. Major League and NFL players, country singers, pop icons, etc., are given the bests seats in the mega churches as if their fame and fortunes have somehow accelerated their maturation process in Christ. One of the greatest lessons, a celebrated person in the world who comes to Christ can learn, is the valuable lesson of humility. They must now experience this all-important revelation “it’s not about me – it’s all about Jesus Christ!” 

These people of high profile must subject themselves to teaching and permit the word to penetrate deep within their heart. It takes time as it molds and shapes them into people that can stand in the face of adversity and be able to resist the great temptation of money and pride. Putting these people on a pedestal only sets them up for a fall. Not only do they embarrass Christ, but they drag many down with them. Ministers often promote them to the front because of their financial prowess. However, they do it at the expense of the famous person’s soul by dangling them over Hell and practically inviting temptation to come and devour them. Shame on any of us who would consider the pocketbook over the soul!

I think of the country singer who was recently in the news and a whole host of others such as wide receivers and Major League stars who now have reverted back into drinking, drugs, and marital woes. My heart breaks for them when many times I believe that these implosions could have been avoided if the proper protocol was established with the individual. We must pray for them to retrieve the testimony that only Christ can provide. Their pastors also need our prayers that their eyes be averted off of the personal gains that are achieved of having such a high-profile person in their midst, and remain focused on the well-being of the person’s soul.

We all gain great benefit by being patient and allowing it to complete its work in us. We may have been called to do great exploits in ministry, but we must develop the spiritual muscle and character to sustain us in that calling. Remember Joseph? He was called at a young age, but before he entered into that calling he went through a pit, slavery, and prison, and then he became what God destined him to be. 

- Dr. Reuben Egolf