Foolishness of Position
Eccl. 10:5-7 & 16,17
5-7. There is an evil I have seen under the sun, the sort of error that arises from a ruler: Fools are put in many high positions, while the rich occupy the low ones. I have seen slaves on horseback, while princes go on foot like slaves.
16, 17. Woe to you, O land whose king was a servant and whose princes feast in the morning. Blessed are you, O land whose king is of noble birth and whose princes eat at a proper time -- for strength and not for drunkenness.
It is a national past time to talk about how our elected government officials respond in foolishness. It is harder to pray for them, but it never ceases to amaze me that the people who clamor and distrust government officials forget they are elected by the will of the people. These officials hire others that work for them. Many are given high positions because of who they know, not what they know. Many do not belong in leadership positions or positions of honor. Many others, regardless of wealth, are better prepared to lead with wisdom, but not put such in positions.
How many times does someone with talent and ingenuity hire his son or son-in-law to manage the employees or take over the business when they don't know what they are doing? How often does someone put friends and relatives in important positions who seek honor, but those who run the business or government wisely are those who have little status?
A party spirit, selfish interests, and pride, surrounded by self-seeking advisors who give faulty advice, result because many are more impressed with their position than with responsibility. Selfish interests includes: the pursuit of fame, desire for pleasure, and seeking advancement to the detriment of those more qualified. It is a fool who is self-serving.
When some officials are upset with where they sit at the table and how close their chairs are to the President's chair, then it seems that folly can easily destroy lands and nations. Foolishness is found in pride for position.
I am stunned how important titles are to people. It may not affect their work, or their income, or responsibility, but having a title can produce haughty behavior. That is foolishness.
Jim Elliot wrote, "No doubt you will hear of my receiving preliminary honors at school. They carry the same brand and will be not long hence in the basement in a battered trunk beside the gold "Be" pin, with the ruby in it for which I studied at Benson. All is vanity. Life is not here, but hid above with Christ in God and therein I rejoice and sing as I think on such exaltation."
The position Jesus sought was to be a servant of His Heavenly Father and in carrying out His earthly responsibility to the fullest. “Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Phil 2:9-11
Prayer. "Lord, may I see my gifts and abilities are but from you and for you. Let me not seek position but service, like Jesus."
