Sometimes a job demotion sets the stage for a big promotion; at least it did for one guy I've heard about.
Through a series of seemingly unfortunate events, this guy wound up in prison as an innocent man. While there, he heard and interpreted the dreams of two men. Everything happened exactly according to the interpretation - the one man was was executed, while the other man was restored to his former position. But this man quickly forgot what had happened as he resumed his former duties. And that's where the story picks up ...
"Then the chief cupbearer spoke to Pharaoh, saying, "I would make mention today of my own offenses. Pharaoh was furious with his servants, and he put me in confinement in the house of the captain of the bodyguard, both me and the chief baker. We had a dream on the same night, he and I; each of us dreamed according to the interpretation of his own dream. Now a Hebrew youth was with us there, a servant of the captain of the bodyguard, and we related them to him, and he interpreted our dreams for us. To each one he interpreted according to his own dream. And just as he interpreted for us, so it happened; he restored me in my office, but he hanged him." Then Pharaoh sent and called for Joseph, and they hurriedly brought him out of the dungeon; and when he had shaved himself and changed his clothes, he came to Pharaoh." (Genesis 41:9-14)
In one day Joseph was elevated for innocent prisoner to second-in-command of a powerful government. Few promotions are as dramatic as this, and few people are capable of handling such lofty elevation. From all that we read, Joseph remained a man of impeccable character, never corrupted or tainted by his high office and status.
Unlikely as it might seem in the present economy, how well prepared are you to handle a promotion? If society's spotlight were to suddenly shine upon you, would you be able to retain character and integrity? Would humility characterize you, or would pride overwhelm you in the midst of fame and power?
It's been said that many people can endure the test of adversity, but few can survive the test of prosperity. Perhaps so, but the real measure is the ability to accept either and remain strong spiritually. As the apostle Paul said, "I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need" (Philippians 4:11-12)
Challenging as this truth might be to accept, the true measure is not our circumstances, but our character in the midst of them. May godly character shine forth in whichever you find yourself in at this moment.
Steve
Through a series of seemingly unfortunate events, this guy wound up in prison as an innocent man. While there, he heard and interpreted the dreams of two men. Everything happened exactly according to the interpretation - the one man was was executed, while the other man was restored to his former position. But this man quickly forgot what had happened as he resumed his former duties. And that's where the story picks up ...
"Then the chief cupbearer spoke to Pharaoh, saying, "I would make mention today of my own offenses. Pharaoh was furious with his servants, and he put me in confinement in the house of the captain of the bodyguard, both me and the chief baker. We had a dream on the same night, he and I; each of us dreamed according to the interpretation of his own dream. Now a Hebrew youth was with us there, a servant of the captain of the bodyguard, and we related them to him, and he interpreted our dreams for us. To each one he interpreted according to his own dream. And just as he interpreted for us, so it happened; he restored me in my office, but he hanged him." Then Pharaoh sent and called for Joseph, and they hurriedly brought him out of the dungeon; and when he had shaved himself and changed his clothes, he came to Pharaoh." (Genesis 41:9-14)
In one day Joseph was elevated for innocent prisoner to second-in-command of a powerful government. Few promotions are as dramatic as this, and few people are capable of handling such lofty elevation. From all that we read, Joseph remained a man of impeccable character, never corrupted or tainted by his high office and status.
Unlikely as it might seem in the present economy, how well prepared are you to handle a promotion? If society's spotlight were to suddenly shine upon you, would you be able to retain character and integrity? Would humility characterize you, or would pride overwhelm you in the midst of fame and power?
It's been said that many people can endure the test of adversity, but few can survive the test of prosperity. Perhaps so, but the real measure is the ability to accept either and remain strong spiritually. As the apostle Paul said, "I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need" (Philippians 4:11-12)
Challenging as this truth might be to accept, the true measure is not our circumstances, but our character in the midst of them. May godly character shine forth in whichever you find yourself in at this moment.
Steve
posted by steve @ 8:01 AM
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