Seek not great things for yourself

Should you then seek great things for yourself? Do not seek them. For I will bring disaster on all people, declares the LORD, but wherever you go I will let you escape with your life.’”
-Psalm 45:5 (NIV)

Are you seeking personal advancement or recognition?

Are you pursuing self-interest?

The Bible teaches humility and reliance on God rather than personal ambition.

We are called by God to stop seeking personal gain rather than our own desires.

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.

-Matthew 6:33

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves. / Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

-Philippians 2:3-4

Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you.

-James 4:10

God calls believers to trust in His plan.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths.

-Provers 3:5-6

Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.”  Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.  Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.”

-James 4:13-15

We need to learn contentment.

But godliness with contentment is great gain.

-1 Timothy 6:6

I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

-Philippians 4:11-13

We must trust God in the suffering that comes into our lives.

In the world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world!”

-John 16:33

“We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” 

-Acts 14:22

Indeed, all who desire to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,

-2 Timothy 3:12

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial that has come upon you, as though something strange were happening to you. / But rejoice that you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed at the revelation of His glory.

-1 Peter 4:12-13

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds, / because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. / Allow perseverance to finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

-James 1:2-4

True greatness is found in humble service, not self-elevation.

So Jesus declared, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those in authority over them call themselves benefactors. But you shall not be like them. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who leads like the one who serves. For who is greater, the one who reclines at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines? But I am among you as one who serves.…

Luke 22:25-27

Embrace humility.

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.

-1 Peter 5:6

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Biblehub.com was a great help to me with this post.