At times there is something in us that wants to be seen. Some of us thrive on attention. And even if you do not like crowds of people, it is nice to be in a place of honor.
Being honored is not wrong.
It only gets to be a problem when we seek to honor ourselves.
For instance,
“When Jesus noticed that all who had come to the dinner were trying to sit in the seats of honor near the head of the table, he gave them this advice: “When you are invited to a wedding feast, don’t sit in the seat of honor. What if someone who is more distinguished than you has also been invited? The host will come and say, ‘Give this person your seat.’ Then you will be embarrassed, and you will have to take whatever seat is left at the foot of the table “Instead, take the lowest place at the foot of the table. Then when your host sees you, he will come and say, ‘Friend, we have a better place for you!’ Then you will be honored in front of all the other guests. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” (Luke 14:7-11 NLT).
Jesus is teaching that we should not seek to honor ourselves, because when we do, we end up falling because of it.
Proverbs warns us about this,
“Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall.” (Proverbs 16:18; NLT)
And,
“Pride ends in humiliation, while humility brings honor.” (Proverbs 29:23; NLT)
Humility is a key in combating pride.
Humility seeks to honor others.
Humility gives honor to God.
Humility is honored by God.
Humility does not seek the best seat at a party or seeks to be known at the party. Humility quietly rests in the fact that everything we do cannot be done except through God. We have to acknowledge that we can do nothing by ourselves. We have to behave in a way that shows we are willing to serve and not be served.
“Lord, please help me to remember that all I can do comes from you” Please help me to choose humility over being known. Please help me to remain humble when I want to be recognized by others. It is not about me. It is untimely about you and your glory. In Jesus; Name Amen”
