THE BIBLE AND PROMOTION

PROF. BEN ONYEUKWU (REV.)

NCE(Eng.) ND/HD (Journalism); BA (Hons) MA, PhD.

Call: +2348037346939  E-mail: professorbenonyeukwu@yahoo.com 

THE BIBLE AND PROMOTION

Devotional Text: Psalm 75:6-7

Introduction:

The Wiktionary of the English language defines “promotion” as an advancement (or lifting) in rank or position. And, according to the Bible, this said promotion does not come from the east, west or south, but from God, who is the Judge of all whose prerogative it is, to put down one and exalt another. This implies that unjust interference in promotion or demotion processes in both secular and sacred organizations is a usurpation of the right of God, and consequently, attracts His judgment on offenders, and so, people in authority should always allow meritocracy to flourish in both church and society.

GENERAL REMARKS

(1)     Promotion comes by the sovereign act of God (Psalm 75:6).

(2)     Demotion, which is the opposite of promotion, also comes by the sovereign act of God (vs. 7).

(3)     Promotion that comes from God is done in righteousness, (Psalm 39:16).

(4)     Demotion or promotion without justice is not in God’s order of the exercise(s), (Psalm 99:4).

GOD’S SOVEREIGN ACTS IN PROMOTION AND DEMOTION

                        When God is said to be sovereign, it means He possesses supreme authority over all things but exercise His will or decision through His creature, man, angels and others. It equally implies that there are laws or principles of governance with which He operates. Therefore, by God’s sovereign acts in promotion and demotion, this lesson upholds the biblical truth that God puts some individuals in positions of trust or authority, who He uses (or intends to use) in the function of promotion and demotion (Psalm 75:7). By this, it becomes instructive that promotion or demotion in any organization, community, dynasty or nation should:

(i)                   be informed by merit or demerit, (Prov. 3:35KJV)

(ii)                 not be based on personal (or subjective) considerations, (I Thess. 5:15)

(iii)                only be enforced in line with Divine justice, (Isa. 56:1).

The above assertion is a way of showing that God is not partial or inconsistent in His character of righteousness, and so, in promotion, when one merits it, He promotes one, and when one demerits it, he demotes one, without fear or favour or any consideration outside the domain of justice. But, human beings are always defaulting.

MAN’S ROLE IN PROMOTION AND DEMOTION

Man, in whatever position, capacity or authority is a delegated authority of his maker. For, the biblical injunction,--- “have dominion”--- does not mean, “have absolute authority” (Gen. 1:28), as God always requires man to do His Divine Will and not his human will (see John 5:30). In this connection therefore, people in positions of authority have painstaking task, with regards to who to promote or demote in whichever organization they head. And, this calls for the application of the rules and regulations or constitutions of organizations, which are the agreed principles of operation, since God, is the God of agreement and order, (see I Sam 23:18).

So, those empowered to promote or demote in organizations should always learn to ask question like; who does the constitution says should succeed a leader, when he dies? And, also, according to the constitution, when a leader becomes immoral, and things like that, does he deserve promotion or demotion? The employment of justice in the process of the exercise is just the correct thing to do. On this note, this lesson notes that:

(i)                   no human leader has absolute authority to promote or demote, (Psalm 75:6-7);

(ii)                 self-will in promotion or demotion exercise is a let down on God, (vs. 6:7);

(iii)                judgment awaits all who exercise self-will in the process of promotion and demotion, (vs. 6-7)

CONSEQUENCIES OF UNRIGHTEOUS PROMOTION AND DEMOTION

Both Divine and Human laws prohibit unjust promotion or demotion of people in the services of God and humanity, and any compromise, to this effect carries unpleasant consequences, here, and hereafter. Therefore, those who give or take bribes in order to promote or demote others are by this advised in their own interest, to desist from such a despicable behaviour before it becomes too late. Equally, too, those in positions of trust or authority, who think they are there on their own, should better retrace their steps, in keeping with God’s path of justice, in promotion and demotion, for each of us must give account of our stewardship to God (Rom. 14:12).

Also, in the family, positions or rights of the older siblings should not be played down, in favour of the younger ones, in whatever guise, as the younger ones should not be denied what are rightly theirs. In other words, family promotion or demotion should follow legitimate order and the church, as God’s family, should as well embrace the same rule, (Psalm 75:6-7). In this connection, therefore, this lesson asserts that:

(i)                   promotion secured through bribery and corruption, or demotion enforced through the same means definitely blacklists those involved for judgment and hell unless they repent (Isa., 5:22-23; Job 36:18).

(ii)                 fraudulent promotion and demotion in church and family trigger off the wrath of God, in the affected church and family, (Psalm 75:8-10).

In conclusion, let it be cited that, common experience equally shows that unrighteous promotion or demotion in church, family,  community, nation or society often stir-up rift that result in wanton destruction of lives and property. Thus,  the need to keep to the precepts of this lesson, as a way of avoiding needless problems in society, which finally leads to eternal judgment. Beware of injustice in the exercise(s) of promotion and demotion.