There is a very practical story in Luke 14 about a gathering at a wedding. Jesus shared some important advice, “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... 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…’”
That stellar advice fits any number of modern social, employment, or family situations.
Not too long ago, I went to a meeting of some community leaders. I am President of one of the boards, but I am also the newcomer of the group. As I entered the room, I noticed that they had left one of the chairs at the head of the table for me. But I just didn’t want my first meeting to be all about positioning and power brokering. So, I chose one in the middle of the table. And the meeting went very well. A moment of humility allowed me to be a better leader.
Even the folks at AA understand the importance of humility. One of their steps calls for the addict to “Humbly ask Him (God) to remove our shortcomings. Humility is one of the simplest principles to understand because it’s straightforward. When you’re humble, you’re cognizant of the fact that you’re not a major part of the bigger picture. Humility in daily practice means never seeing yourself as more important than you are.”
In the Bible, James tells us to humble ourselves before the Lord and He will lift you up (James 4:10). Peter says almost the same thing, “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time” (1 Peter 5:6).
Some translations render “lift us up” with the word “exalt.” It is one of those Biblical conundrums that we get lifted when we go low. When we debase ourselves with a good understanding of our place in life, we are exalted on high.
When we humble ourselves before the Lord and others, we are properly aligned with God’s will. He is first, others are next, we are last in line. And in that order, His blessings flow.
So, this week, let’s take to heart that principle and practice living a submitted, humble life.
“Lord, we bow before you in quiet humility. Please take and use us. We wait for you.”
That stellar advice fits any number of modern social, employment, or family situations.
Not too long ago, I went to a meeting of some community leaders. I am President of one of the boards, but I am also the newcomer of the group. As I entered the room, I noticed that they had left one of the chairs at the head of the table for me. But I just didn’t want my first meeting to be all about positioning and power brokering. So, I chose one in the middle of the table. And the meeting went very well. A moment of humility allowed me to be a better leader.
Even the folks at AA understand the importance of humility. One of their steps calls for the addict to “Humbly ask Him (God) to remove our shortcomings. Humility is one of the simplest principles to understand because it’s straightforward. When you’re humble, you’re cognizant of the fact that you’re not a major part of the bigger picture. Humility in daily practice means never seeing yourself as more important than you are.”
In the Bible, James tells us to humble ourselves before the Lord and He will lift you up (James 4:10). Peter says almost the same thing, “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time” (1 Peter 5:6).
Some translations render “lift us up” with the word “exalt.” It is one of those Biblical conundrums that we get lifted when we go low. When we debase ourselves with a good understanding of our place in life, we are exalted on high.
When we humble ourselves before the Lord and others, we are properly aligned with God’s will. He is first, others are next, we are last in line. And in that order, His blessings flow.
So, this week, let’s take to heart that principle and practice living a submitted, humble life.
“Lord, we bow before you in quiet humility. Please take and use us. We wait for you.”
Sherry Worel
Sherry Worel is a Bible teacher at heart and lives a life of ministry. She’s been involved at Coast Hills teaching Women’s LIFE, Bible studies, online courses, devotionals, participating in Upstream conversations, and much more. Having a love for education, Sherry has over 50 years of teaching experience with schools, churches, and mission agencies. As well as earning her Master’s at Talbot Seminary, she rounded out her education with 35 years as Head of School at Stoneybrooke Christian School. Sherry is happiest with a book or fishing pole in hand.