Ephesians 4:14-16 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

Yesterday I spoke about promotion because it is a human condition to seek promotion. Achievement of goals is entrenched in our society. That is one of the reasons you see megachurches. The thinking is that the bigger the draw, the bigger the influence, the larger the donations, and the more good that can be done. That is man thinking, not Christ thinking.

Kingdom advancement come with growth in Christ. Growth in Christ is the Spirit performing the conformation, sanctification and transformation of your life. The abundant life of John 10:10 isn’t a worldly abundance, it is more and more of Christ being glorified in you.

Romans 8:29-30 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.

To be glorified is to shine the light of Christ in you, the outward expression of Christ who dwells in your heart.

John 1:16-17 And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace. For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.

Grace received is grace extended in mature Christians.

John 15:15 Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.

In this world we seek promotion from others. In the military promotion can come due to time in service. If you have done nothing to be demoted, you may be granted a promotion just for time in service. One example is prisoners of war. Their time in service continues, promotions are merited because of time and if they are ever freed, they receive all their back pay at current rates for ranks given.

In the Kingdom life we first become servants, given commandments with expectations.

John 14:15 If you love me, keep my commandments.

In the Kingdom faithfulness is rewarded with promotion.

Matthew 25:21 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

There is a transformation from a servant who is told nothing of why to obey, to a friend who is told the mysteries of the Kingdom. Only those who have proven themselves trustworthy are given access.

Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

If you think this only applies to young children, allow me to remind you that anyone who is reborn in the spirit (John 3:3,5) becomes a babe in Christ and knows nothing of the Kingdom they just entered. This could happen at any age, even old age.