Humble

If you could have the best seats in the house, which event would you choose: Superbowl? Rock, country or philharmonic concert (your choice)? Indy 500? Time with a famous person?
The Gospel of Luke records and interesting conversation Jesus had with his disciples about being humble:

7 When [Jesus] 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.”  Luke 14:7-11

Why would Jesus confront the seating selection behavior?

How can things like customs, norms and status get in the way of loving others in your family, workplace, community?

The hardest time to be humble is when everyone else around you is not. It is at this point that one can feel ‘left out’ or forgotten by God. 

Although we tend to want to feel important, how does this verse build up our faith so that we can live out our lives by in a different understanding of ourselves in Christ?
Acknowledge your desire to be liked, accepted and even admired. Confess where you have allowed these desires to blind you to meeting the needs of others. Commit yourself to serving even if others don’t notice you.

4821 Ponderings:

• How can you let this directive from scripture influence your daily life this week?
• Is there a competitive or jealous relationship with which you struggle that you need to address?

Closing Prayer:  Dear Heavenly Father, Your hands made and formed us, and we are wonderfully made. You are good, and what you do is good. Give us, we pray, knowledge and good judgment as we trust your commands. May we be examples to those around us as we reflect Your love and joy as we place our hope in the relationship into which You invite us, through Christ our Savior. Amen.