The last segment in this series is “the honor of not having to be first.” No doubt about it, we live in a “me first” society. But today, how many of us understand that society’s way of doing things and God’s way of doing things are totally different? The world says, “Push your way through and look out for number one!” But God says, “Look out for one another and the first shall be last.” Being second is the main idea behind Christianity, even though sometimes the concept is easily forgotten. In the daily routine of living, we can easily turn the focus back onto us. Many of us need reminding from time to time (myself included) that a “me first” attitude rarely prospers and seldom turns out well. Esther showed honor by living a life that unmistakably relayed the message, “Me second.”
Because of God and a few honorable people, the book of Esther has a great ending. Esther saves the Jews! Well… God saved the Jews, but He used Esther to do so. It’s very interesting to me that the story doesn’t end with the focus on Esther but on Mordecai’s promotion. Her risk and sacrifice helped move Mordecai into a new position right next to the king. Even though she was queen, Mordecai’s advancement placed him ahead of her. It’s worth mentioning that his new position was considered second as well (only second to the king). Do you mind being second no matter how much you labor or how much sacrifice you have put into a thing? In the natural, I believe that it would bother most people to labor for someone else’s promotion and that the whole idea of being second would be disheartening. But Esther shows us that being second can be very valuable and offers its own reward.
Helping to promote one that you are in a close relationship with, well, that’s just wisdom! Their success will ultimately mean yours (great message to wives). And helping to advance or promote people who are godly and filled with godly ideas… Well, how can that be anything but honorable? Sadly, many people pass up awesome opportunities to be a part of something successful all because of not being the one who gets to be “number one.” And the reality is that relationships will die, marriages will fail and families will fall apart where there isn’t at least one person who is okay with being second. The definition of second: Next after the first; inferior; one who supports another; to follow next in place; to support; to join with in proposing some measure.
In my opinion, Esther is one of the most honorable women in the Bible. Everything that she was a part of prospered and grew. None of her relationships were divided, broken or dead. She showed worth and value to everyone (not only to those who were considered to be great). She was in “it” for more than just herself. Her trust was in God and not in her own ability. She showed discretion and cautiously waited for God’s timing. And she seemed pleased and content to help promote others. She made “being second” look good and helped us see that “second” is very important to God. The first mention of Esther was her being brought into the kingdom with many other beautiful women. But she had much more to offer than just her outward appearance. Even though she was young, she had somehow learned a very valuable wisdom along her journey. She exemplified a profound wisdom that every woman, no matter where she’s from, needs to know… Beauty may very well move a man or even a king… But HONOR will move the hand of God. “Upon my Honor” reveals that she knew which one was the greater.
Loving U Like a Sister,
Regina
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