There’s a lot of self-help literature that focusses on personal advancement. Most of what is proposed relies ultimately on the effort of the individual as he or she pursues their chosen advancement strategy. Some advance by making friends with the ‘right’ people and parties and may be promoted unjustly and unfairly on the basis of personal or political bias. Others advance more through their own efforts. Yet others progress by opposing others and defeating those who appear to stand in their way. But the disciple of Jesus advances on a radically different basis of dependency: dependency upon God rather than on Self. He or she advances not through self-exaltation and self-effort, but through humility. James writes, “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up” (James 4:10). It is better to be promoted by God than to be promoted by men. Success in Kingdom terms sometimes looks very different to success in earthly terms. True success in the sight of God always comes from love of God and submission to Him. As we prioritise seeking Him and listening to His voice, our life will become increasingly successful in God’s sight. Don’t worry if other people fail to acknowledge your success. God sees, and that’s what matters.