Luke 14:7-11 - Humility or self-promotion
Scripture:
Luke 14:7-11
7 And He began speaking a parable to the invited guests when He noticed how they had been picking out the places of honor at the table, saying to them,
8 "When you are invited by someone to a wedding feast, do not take the place of honor, for someone more distinguished than you may have been invited by him,
9 and he who invited you both will come and say to you, "Give your place to this man,' and then in disgrace you proceed to occupy the last place.
10 "But when you are invited, go and recline at the last place, so that when the one who has invited you comes, he may say to you, "Friend, move up higher'; then you will have honor in the sight of all who are at the table with you.
11 "For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."
NASU
NASU
Thoughts:
Here Jesus presents a contrast: humility versus pride and self-promotion. As humans we tend to be so fixated on ourselves: how we look; how others think of us; and whether we're getting what we "deserve."
Our world encourages and even demands this of us at times. We're told that we need to be aggressive, and "look out for #1" in how we drive our cars, do our shopping, enjoy ourselves recreationally, and approach our careers. We must sell ourselves and be our own best salesperson.
Advertisements further convince us that we not only could but should have the best this life has to offer. After all, don't others realize how important we are? It's us, we're talking about! Not just your average Joe. Certainly we are entitled to the finer things our surroundings have to give, or so we're tempted to believe.
But the Lord shows us the right way to live. In humility allowing others to (possibly) promote us, not seeking to promote ourselves (verse 10-11).
Prayer:
Lord, help me to walk the path You've shown us here. There is a constant bombardment pushing us to promote ourselves, and selfishly seek our own improvement. Help me to instead trust my reputation, provision, and future in Your hands: You will care for me, without my having to engage in self-promotion.
And let me not think too highly of myself. In reality there is no difference between me and a person at the top of the social ladder and someone at the bottom. Each of us is a unique creation of Yours, valuable for one reason alone: You value us. As it has been said, the ground is level at the foot of Your cross.
Amen
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