Be Humble

 

 Luke 14:1, 7-11

 Jesus at a Pharisee’s House

14 One Sabbath, when Jesus went to eat in the house of a prominent Pharisee, he was being carefully watched.

⁷ When he noticed how the guests picked the places of honor at the table, he told them this parable: ⁸ “When someone invites you to a wedding feast, do not take the place of honor, for a person more distinguished than you may have been invited. ⁹ If so, the host who invited both of you will come and say to you, ‘Give this person your seat.’ Then, humiliated, you will have to take the least important place. ¹⁰ But when you are invited, take the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he will say to you, ‘Friend, move up to a better place.’ Then you will be honored in the presence of all the other guests. ¹¹ For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

Jesus praises the virtue of humility and rightly reminds us that "all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted." (Lk 14: 11). Can we accept this teaching or do we have such a high regard for ourselves that we throw our weight, our opinion, "our way" about as if there is no other? In looking for approval, acceptance or that assuring "pat on the back" do we thrust ourselves forward, taking that "higher place" in our conversations or dealings with others? Jesus reminds us and makes it clear that eventually we will be put in our place. Why not then, take the lowest or humblest place first and let others move us to the higher place, if, indeed, that's what THEY  think we deserve?

Bro. Rene

Dear God, keep me humble and content, not forcing my opinion or will on others in order to elevate or exalt myself. Amen.