posture vs position
You can hold a position in the church and still be completely out of position in the Kingdom.
We live in a church culture that celebrates platform. Where being “used by God” often looks like being followed, known, or booked. Where we equate visibility with value, gifting with anointing, and influence with intimacy with Jesus. There was a time I thought that being used by God meant being seen—having influence, getting recognized, being invited to the table. I chased it. The platforms. The approval. The “yes” from people..
But God isn’t checking your ministry title—He’s checking your posture.
Position is where you’re placed. Posture is how you’re surrendered.
You can lead worship, run ministries, preach sermons, and serve faithfully—and still have a heart that’s postured for self, not for the Spirit. I know because I’ve lived it. I’ve looked the part, spoken the words, and led in front of people—while quietly battling sin, pride, ambition, and insecurity behind closed doors. There were seasons where I was more focused on being effective than being surrendered. Where I showed up for others while neglecting intimacy with God for myself. I’ve wrestled with ambition, hidden my struggles, and learned—sometimes painfully—that God cares far more about your heart than your highlight reel.
Let’s be real: there are people pastoring churches who haven’t postured themselves before God in weeks.
There are Christians who lead with power from the stage but live with pride behind closed doors.
There are followers who know how to pray publicly—but don’t know how to weep privately.
I’ve learned the hard way: gifting doesn’t equal fruit. Visibility doesn’t equal value. And just because God uses you doesn’t mean He approves of everything going on inside you.
God isn’t impressed by position. He’s moved by posture. God promotes the lowly, not the platform-hungry. If you're not stewarding your unseen posture, you're not ready for a seen position.
David vs. Saul: A Biblical Picture
Saul was the people’s choice. Tall, impressive, chosen for his position. But his posture before God was shaky at best—obedient when convenient, rebellious when it cost him something.
David, on the other hand, was overlooked. A shepherd. Forgotten by his own family. But God saw his posture—a worshipper, a repenter, a man after His heart.
“Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” – 1 Samuel 16:7
We chase position like it’s the goal. But posture? That’s the oil. That’s where the anointing flows.
Don’t Confuse Exposure with Endorsement
Sometimes we mistake being “used by God” as a sign of His approval. But let’s be clear: gifting is not the same as fruit. Being effective isn’t the same as being rightly aligned. I’ve been that person—used by God but not in the right place with Him. And I’ve had to repent. Still do.
God can use a donkey. That doesn’t mean the donkey was holy.
The spotlight will expose what your secret place didn’t heal. And position will crush you if your posture can’t carry it.
Reflection:
Ask yourself:
Am I more excited about what I get to do for God than who I’m becoming with Him?
Do I crave being seen more than being surrendered?
Prayer:
God, if You never give me the platform I think I want—let me still posture my heart to serve You in secret. Strip away my pride, my striving, and my hunger for recognition. Search me, test me, and make me someone You can trust behind closed doors. Amen.
Key Scriptures:
1 Samuel 16:7 – “Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”
Luke 14:11 – “For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled…”
Philippians 2:5–7 – “He made himself nothing… taking the very nature of a servant.”