In our world, the pursuit of power, influence, and recognition is often celebrated. Ambition in itself isn’t wrong, but when we covet positions of power and authority for selfish gain, it can lead to devastating consequences. The Bible gives us a powerful example of this in the story of Korah’s rebellion against Moses and Aaron. This story highlights the dangers of coveting power and position and serves as a cautionary tale for us today.

Korah’s Rebellion: A Desire for Power

In Numbers 16, we read the story of Korah, a Levite, who led a rebellion against Moses and Aaron. Korah, along with 250 leaders of the community, challenged the authority God placed over them, claiming that Moses and Aaron had taken too much power for themselves. Korah’s underlying issue was not just about leadership structure but about a heart that coveted the position and influence that God had given to others.

Korah was dissatisfied with the role God had assigned to him and desired the leadership roles that Moses and Aaron held. His rebellion wasn’t merely an attack on human authority—it was a challenge to God’s sovereign plan. The outcome was severe: the earth opened up and swallowed Korah and his followers, demonstrating the seriousness of coveting power and rebelling against God’s order.

The Call to Cultivate Humility

The antidote to coveting power is humility. Philippians 2:3-4 gives us clear instruction: “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests but also to the interests of others.”

Humility requires us to lay aside selfish ambition and focus on serving others. When we covet power, we’re often driven by a desire to elevate ourselves, but God calls us to a life of humility, where we seek to elevate others and trust Him with our position.

As C.S. Lewis famously wrote, humility isn’t about thinking less of ourselves; it’s about thinking of ourselves less. It’s about recognizing that any leadership or influence we have is a gift from God and is to be used for His glory, not our own.

Trusting God’s Plan for Promotion

In moments when we find ourselves desiring more power, position, or recognition, it’s crucial to remember that God is the one who exalts and promotes. Psalm 75:6-7 reminds us, “For promotion and power come from nowhere on earth, but only from God. He promotes one and deposes another” (TLB).

When we trust God’s timing and His plan for our lives, we are free from the need to manipulate situations or fight for recognition. Coveting power and position stems from a lack of trust in God’s sovereignty. We fear being overlooked or undervalued, so we strive for positions that may not be meant for us. But God’s plan is perfect, and He knows exactly where and when we should serve.

Rather than striving for power, we should focus on being faithful in the roles God has given us, trusting that He will open doors for leadership if and when it aligns with His purpose for us.

Practical Steps to Combat Coveting Power and Position

1. Examine Your Heart’s Motives: Regularly evaluate why you desire leadership or recognition. Are you seeking to serve others, or are you seeking status and control?

2. Embrace the Role God Has Given You: Be content with where God has placed you, knowing that He has a specific purpose for your current season.

3. Serve with Humility: Look for ways to serve others rather than focusing on how you can gain influence. Leadership in God’s kingdom is about servanthood, not control.

4. Pray for God’s Timing: Ask God to help you trust His timing and plan for your life, especially when you feel overlooked or desire a position of leadership.

5. Celebrate Others’ Success: One of the best ways to combat coveting power is to genuinely celebrate the success and promotions of others. When we rejoice with those who are honored, it helps us cultivate humility and trust in God’s plan.

Conclusion

Korah’s rebellion serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of coveting power and position. His desire for authority led to destruction, not only for himself but for those who followed him. But God calls us to a different path—a path of humility, service, and trust in His plan.

When we let go of the desire to promote ourselves and instead embrace the role God has given us, we find freedom and peace. True leadership in the kingdom of God comes not from striving for power but from serving others with humility and trusting in God’s perfect timing.

May we all learn to be content in the roles God has given us, cultivating hearts of humility, and trusting Him to lift us up when the time is right.