Royals: Living in the Realm of God's FavorSýnishorn

One day as Mordecai was on duty at the king’s gate, two of the king’s eunuchs, Bigthanag and Teresh—who were guards at the door of the king’s private quarters—became angry at King Xerxes and plotted to assassinate him. But Mordecai heard about the plot and gave the information to Queen Esther. She then told the king about it and gave Mordecai credit for the report. When an investigation was made and Mordecai’s story was found to be true, the two men were impaled on a sharpened pole. This was all recorded in The Book of the History of King Xerxes’ Reign. Esther 2:21-23 (NLT)

When we forget that promotion comes from God (Psalm 75:6), we will attempt to earn favor in our own strength at the expense of other people. Esther did not forget the God who brought her to the palace. Hence, she did not try to stay in favor with the king in her own strength. Esther gave Mordecai credit for the report that eventually became instrumental in the event leading up to a relentless enemy’s execution. In life, there will be many opportunities to earn favor in our strength by taking credit for other people’s work, tearing down others, or through self-promotion. We must resist the self-seeking human nature and walk in the Spirit. God does not honor crooked ways, and the law of seedtime and harvest applies even in our attitude towards others (Galatians 6:7).

While it is possible to earn favor through self-promotion, shame or humiliation is inevitable in the long run. Matthew 23:12 says “For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” Thus we must not be self-seeking, patiently wait for God’s time, and not try to earn favor through human strength(1 Peter 5:6).

Today, ask God to show you self-seeking attitudes in your life and repent. Also, sow the seed of favor and patiently wait for God to reward you.