What practical steps can we take to honor God in our achievements? The Context Behind Our Question “ And all his acts of power and might, along with the full account of the greatness of Mordecai, whom the king had promoted, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Media and Persia?” – Esther 10:2 Mordecai’s public success is recorded as real history. Yet the book never lets us forget that God is the unseen Author directing each plot twist. That same reality shapes how we handle every promotion, award, or milestone today. Recognize God’s Hand First • Trace every win back to Him. “Every good and perfect gift is from above.” (James 1:17) • Say it out loud. When others praise you, respond with phrases like “The Lord opened that door” or “God gave me the strength.” • Keep a gratitude journal listing specific ways God orchestrated details you could never control. Curb Pride by Pointing to the True King • Review Deuteronomy 8:17-18—God warns, “Do not say in your heart, ‘My power…’ ” • Memorize Psalm 115:1: “Not to us, LORD, not to us, but to Your name be the glory.” • Before posting an achievement online, ask: Will this spotlight God or me? Edit captions accordingly. Use Your Influence for Others’ Good • Mordecai’s elevation preserved an entire nation (Esther 10:3). Seek ways your success can protect or uplift the vulnerable. • Budget a percentage of every bonus or raise for kingdom work. • Mentor someone coming behind you; share insights freely rather than guarding trade secrets. Record the Story for God’s Glory • The Persian annals chronicled Mordecai’s deeds. Keep written or digital testimonies your children and church can read. • Share during small-group gatherings how God moved; testimony fuels faith in the community (Revelation 12:11). Keep Achievements in Eternal Perspective • 1 Corinthians 10:31—“Whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God.” View every trophy as temporary décor pointing to an eternal crown. • Luke 12:48—“From everyone who has been given much, much will be required.” Increased platform equals increased accountability. Daily Habits That Keep God at the Center • Morning surrender: verbally hand upcoming tasks to the Lord. • Evening examen: ask, “Did I seek personal fame or God’s honor today?” • Weekly Sabbath: step away from production to declare trust in God, not in output. • Corporate worship: re-calibrates affections; success loses its power when hearts are captivated by Christ. Closing Thoughts Achievements are gifts to steward, not idols to polish. Like Mordecai, let your accomplishments become public billboards for God’s power, channels for loving people, and reminders that the true Author writes better endings than we ever could. |
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