HUMBLE YOURSELF

Matthew 23:11-12
“The greatest among you must be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
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When we are invited in a party, most of the time, we choose the best place for us – near the buffet table, near the exit, near the presidential table. Sometimes, we would sit in a place wherein we would be the center of attraction – “sayang naman ang make-up”, “sayang naman ang damit” (“I want them to see how beautiful I am and my dress is, so I need to sit in front!”).

Jesus’ parable about those who go to a feast has a simple message. “When you are invited, go and sit down in the lowest place, so that when he who invited you comes he may say to you, ‘Friend, go up higher.’ Then you will have glory in the presence of those who sit at the table with you.” This is a parable on not just about being humble, but also on how that proud will be humiliated by the meek.

His instructions are clear and straight to the point. These are exactly what’s wrong – pride, self-promoting, exalting self. When we choose to fight, strive or desire recognition, appreciation, honor and respect, we are exalting our self. He is also clear on how to change – humble yourself. Get our eyes off our self. Focus on Jesus and His power working in us. The genuinely humble do not seek their own honor, but rather seek to honor God. But in the end, God honors them. A true servant does not seek his own reward, but rather serves because he has accepted the Lordship of Christ.

Let us pray +

Lord Jesus, thank you for coming into our lives and straightening us out. Thank you we no longer need to strive for honor, because in you we have honor. Teach us humility by allowing others before us. In your name we pray.

Amen +

“He that offers praise as a sacrifice glorifies Me; and to him that goes the right way I will show the salvation of God.”