Promotions bring Privileges

Scripture: Nehemiah 5:14

Moreover, from the day that I was appointed to be their governor in the land of Judah, from the twentieth year to the thirty-second year of King Artaxerxes, for twelve years, neither I nor my kinsmen have eaten the governor's food allowance.

Insights: Over the next four days we are going to look at the four major concerns that Nehemiah faced when he stepped into his new role as governor.  These four concerns are true for everyone who receives promotions in one way or another.  The first concern is the privileges of the job.  It takes a wise leader to use them without abusing them.  Today’s verse gives the first of two references to the governor’s food allowance and in both verses Nehemiah is emphatic regarding his not eating it.  There are times the privileges that come with promotion ought not to be taken.  For Nehemiah, this food allowance was such a privilege that needed to be avoided.  So, what is the secret regarding the privileges that come with promotion?  The answer is wisdom.  How does one get wisdom?  According to James we are to ask God (James 1:5).  Here is the point regarding the privileges:  when we receive these benefits do we take them as our personal rights or do we view them as God’s own possessions?  For sake of argument, let’s use the financial privileges that come from promotions.  When you get your raise, what do you do?  The vast majority of people say to themselves, “What can I get now?”  Whereas the Father above would have us ask the question, “How would God have me use this extra money?”  There is absolutely nothing wrong with the privileges that come from promotions in and of themselves.  These privileges are given with promotion because more responsibility is being asked of the one receiving the promotion.  As a Christian, however, we must first seek God’s council as to how we ought to handle those privileges.  For Nehemiah, he was not to accept the privilege that was just given to him.  When we get to the final concern Nehemiah faced with this promotion, we will learn the reason he did not partake of this food allowance.  So, in conclusion Beloved, when you receive privileges from promotions, don’t selfishly abuse the gift, but rather first ask God what He would have you to do with these new freedoms.

Questions:

1. How do you handle the privileges of promotion?
2. Do you first consult the Lord as to how you ought to handle them?

Prayer: Lord, help me not to take the privileges of promotion for granted.  You have blessed me for specific reason.  Give me the wherewithal to seek You and learn from You how You would have me handle these privileges. Amen.