Making a Name for Ourselves
I saw that all labor and achievement spring for a man’s envy of his neighbor. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind Ecclesiastes 4:4
Our acceptance of our own brokenness — and the world’s — keeps us going back to God to remember what we cannot do on our own.
Sin has natural consequences; they are pervasive in our work and in ourselves. I need to recognize that in myself and in my work, to specifically identify and repent of my own sin, and seek God for His Grace knowing I cannot do anything on my own.
The Peril of Being “in the Palace”
Palace = place of power and influence. It can also be my current position at work. See Esther for context.
If you are unwilling to risk your own place in the palace for your neighbors, the palace owns you.
Everything you have is a matter of grace, and so you have the freedom to serve the world through your influence, just as you can through your competence.
Living with Greatness in the Palace
Esther approaches her occupation through the lens of her faith in God. She is selfless enough to be concerned with and feel the struggle of her own people then, at the risk of her own life, intercede on their behalf.
If you see Jesus not as an example but as a Savior doing these things for you personally, then you will see how valuable you are to him.
You will become a person of greatness not by trying to make yourself into one, but by serving the One who said to his Father, “For your sake, thy will be done.”
Definitely, I am not at a place where I am capable of “risking my place in the palace” for the care of those around me. I think this is due to my idolization of work, and my personal need to be closer to God.