NOT A STEP

 

Tuesday, December 28, 2021

 

NOT A STEP

Gen 40:23

23 Yet did not the chief butler remember Joseph, but forgat him.

 

          Those who climb ladders of position and status should know that written on the top rug of the ladder is the words “not a step.” The king’s butler, in prison for offending his master, enjoyed Joseph’s gift of interpreting dreams. Nevertheless, when he was restored to his position of prominence, he simply forgot the one who had helped him. Joseph remained in prison for two more years.

 

          The butler forgot Joseph, but God did not. For whatever reason, two more years in prison did not delay nor derail God’s plans. This should encourage those who climb over others to reach the top and those who are forgotten along the way.

 

          Having faith means there is no need, or no place, for manipulation. There is no “I won” in God’s program. Paul described the nature of true love in First Corinthians chapter 13. For clarity, I will use the Amplified New Testament.

 

1 Cor 13:4-5

4 Love endures long and is patient and kind; love never is envious nor boils over with jealousy, is not boastful or vainglorious, does not display itself haughtily.

5 It is not conceited (arrogant and inflated with pride); it is not rude (unmannerly) and does not act unbecomingly. Love (God's love in us) does not insist on its own rights or its own way, for it is not self-seeking; it is not touchy or fretful or resentful; it takes no account of the evil done to it [it pays no attention to a suffered wrong].  AMP

 

          Those who climb over others on their way to the top, should know that the very act of doing so may precipitate a mighty fall. If you are a climber, remember those who have helped you along the way. If you have been carelessly used by others, spend your time in knowing that God never forgets.

 

Heb 6:10

10 For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.

 

Lord, I am nothing apart from you and your gifts to me. My worth is firmly rooted in your love of me. My crowns await the day when I will cast them at your feet. Let me not be a climber nor complain when I am climbed upon. AMEN