Question: My questions concerns an attitude at work, specifically from my supervisor. His philosophy and admonishment is that "Authority is never given, it is taken". Basically, the key to success is not hard work, but rather "self-promotion". In light of Matthew 6:33, I feel that God is telling me that any striving on my part is toward a closer relationship with him, and he takes care of "promotion" as it fits his plan for me. Can an attitude of self-promotion ever fit within the council of God’s Word?

Bob

Answer: Dear Bob,

Your question is huge, for it involves such topics as humility on one hand, and ambition on the other. The Bible, for example, tells us to love others AS ourselves. Is all ambition wrong? No, for the Bible values hard work and industriousness. Is all humility Godly? No, for the Bible tells us that there is a false humility, which is actually rooted in pride.

Ultimately, God is sovereign. He will promote us if he wants us promoted, no matter what we do or do not do. History does not seem to indicate that God is involved in every specific detail of our careers and jobs – and leaves much up to us, our employers, etc. Generally, Christians do advance in their careers because they value hard work. They are generally a little more honest, trustworthy, etc – traits that employers value.

Does this help?

In Christ,

Greg Albrecht