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Fran learned she had been chosen as account rep for a potentially large account, and she’ll be working with a Vice President from headquarters on the proposal. She is obviously all excited and feeling pretty good about herself, but Jesus has asked her to close her office door. He seems to be a bit concerned.
As Fran does so, she says to Jesus. “What’s wrong, Lord? Aren’t you happy for me? This is a big deal – they chose me over everyone else,” Fran can’t hide her enthusiasm.
“Oh, Fran, the opportunity is fine; it’s your attitude that puzzles me. First, let me ask you, how do you think you got this break?”
Fran shrugs and replies, “Well, I guess it’s because of my sales record, and the fact that I did a good job in cracking new accounts. You know that’s the toughest thing to do; I’m good at that, and my guess is that’s why Jim chose me…..” Fran’s words trail off as she looks at Jesus’ face and sees disappointment there.
“So, you think you earned this opportunity all by yourself – hard work, intelligence, etc.?” Jesus asks Fran.
It begins to dawn on Fran – she’s been taking all the credit, gloating and bragging and hasn’t once indicated that Jesus had anything to do with it. After a few moments of silence, she says, meekly, “No, Lord, I didn’t do it all by myself. I don’t have any ability that is not a gift from you. And you are the one who has counseled and guided me daily. You deserve the honor and glory, Lord, not me.”
“It’s okay, Fran, to be happy about this honor. Certainly you should feel good to be chosen, and you have done a good job and worked hard. But I don’t want you to fall into the sin of pride. Receiving this opportunity doesn’t make you any better than anyone else. Remember, I don’t measure success by promotions or incomes or sales awards. I measure success by obedience.” Jesus strongly but lovingly reminds Fran.
“Thanks for the reminder, Lord. Do you think I should tell Marilyn to get someone else, so I won’t be tempted to be proud, Lord,” Fran asks. “Imagine what I’ll be like if we land the Mitchell’s account – pretty intolerable!”
“No, I don’t want you to back out of it; I want you to learn how to accept position, power, money, recognition – whatever I send your way – and still be truly humble. Not that false humility stuff, but true humility, which accepts from my hand either good or bad things, recognizing that everything that touches your life first of all comes through me and works together for your good.” Jesus helps Fran get this in perspective.
We need his help to get it in perspective, too, don’t we?