Be humble (2)

Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.” Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, - 1 Peter 5:5-6

I have seen people over-time who are so arrogant and self-willed who wouldn't listen to those with better experience. The importance of making a mature minister a mentor is to avoid the mistakes of his past, to avoid his past suffering. If you have not seen a humble man being exalted, it is because his time has not come. Once you are humbled and you follow God, your time will come sooner than you know and when your time of reward comes, no one will be able to pull you down.

Daniel was a humble man who loved the Lord and loved to pray. Though at different occasions, enemies conspired against him, on each occasion, the enemies died in his stead. God exchanged men for his life and he became a champion who outlived three ungodly kings (see 2 Corinthians 10:14).

When Joseph was summoned by Pharaoh to interpret his dream because of his reputation (interpreting dream for the Butler and the baker), the first thing Joseph said to Pharaoh was:

And Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, It is not in me: God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace. ……. Genesis 41:16

Joseph could have attributed the success and glory of the previous interpretations to himself, but he acknowledged God; even before an ungodly king. Joseph interpreted Pharaoh's dream explicitly and even proffered solution to the impending famine. He suggested Pharaoh should get a wise and discreet man who will oversee storage of food for the first seven years of plenty so that Egypt will have enough to eat for the seven years of famine. Since the days of Joseph, no one had ever stored food (canned, grains) for seven years without losing its nutrient or value, yet Joseph's ingenuity was far ahead scientific knowledge. (see Genesis 41:38-39).

Joseph was exalted by Pharaoh as the prime minister of Egypt. Why, because he acknowledged God. In your life also when men praise and honour you, no matter your beauty, wisdom, expertise, success, let all the glory be unto God. God must be honoured wherever you find yourself. When you always refer men to Jesus, God will take glory in your life. Be humbled to be a part of what God is doing in your local church; don't be independent in the kingdom. A stick of broom cannot sweep but a bunch of several broom stick can. With humility, participate in kingdom projects in your local assembly and God shall exalt you.