DEALING WITH SUCCESS

Dealing with Success

When Esther's words were reported to Mordecai, he sent back this answer, "Do not think that because you are in the king's house you alone of all the Jews will escape. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father's family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?" Esther 4:12-14

Once we begin to experience success in the workplace, we naturally ask, "Do I need to share my success with others?"

Esther was presented with the opportunity of a lifetime - to become the queen. Many other ladies were considered but Esther found favor in the king's eyes. Most people desire success at some stage in their life. We daydream about the positive aspects of success. However, many of us fail to realize that success also comes with responsibility. Even in the midst of success, God has expectations for His people. What lessons can we learn about success?

1. Look beyond yourself and consider others - As we begin to experience success, it's very easy to become selfish. We ask ourselves, "What steps should I take to continue my journey to the top? How can I get there faster?" We must remember that God blesses us so that we can share those blessings with others. In verse 14, Mordecai wanted Esther to know that God blessed her with this royal position so that she could serve as a blessing to her people. Are you willing to use your influence to help others? Could it be that God wants to use your success to open doors for others? Fortunately, there's no need to wait until you receive a fancy title. God can use your current level of influence.

2. Don't mistreat people now that you're successful - Although Esther was the queen, she maintained contact with her family member - Mordecai. While Esther was granted special access to the king, her family members needed special permission to make it pass the front gate. Have you ever known anyone who "changed" after they experienced success? As we begin to network with our new circle of influence, we often have a tendency to forget about those people who supported us prior to our success.

3. Don't think that you're exempt from harsh treatment - In verse 13, Mordecai reminded Esther that she wasn't exempt from the harsh treatment planned for her people. It was as if he was saying, "I understand that you're the queen. However, don't forget that you are Jewish too. Don't think that you're off the hook." Success can quickly blind us to the harsh realities of life. Some female executives may assume that they're exempt from gender discrimination. Some minority executives may assume that they're exempt from racial discrimination. The enemy will not withhold his attacks just because we're experiencing success.