Junior humility

                             “…in Washington, you are never too senior to be junior”

So said the Army general as he began his remarks following the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Defense. It got me thinking about every promotion I have gotten in life. Think about how many times you have been promoted. Once the promotion party ended, and you were left with your thoughts, did you think for a minute, “all right, now I have arrived?” I’ll admit this thought has occasionally crossed my mind. Advanced from kindergarten to first grade, junior high to high school, junior associate to associate, second lieutenant to first lieutenant, whatever, every promotion has brought next challenges, new problems, some joys, and the question of “am I glad I was promoted?” Promotions do not solve problems…promotions present you with new problems to solve. In my last two promotions, I have been reminded in stark, humbling detail: in this life, I am never too senior to be junior to someone. Even at senior rank, military officers are under authority and must submit to their seniors. Even four star generals must follow orders of their civilian leaders. This realization creates humility, especially when you realize that authority is both a protection and a moral necessity. The Scriptures teach that I am to be submitted both to God and to the authority of the God-ordained, legally constituted, civil authorities. ©2010 Ray Woolridge