We see many people today who toot their own horn. They seek everyone’s applause. They claim to be the greatest in whatever they do. By definition, there is only one greatest, for it means that there is one who is greater than all others. Of course, it is used as slang to mean far less than its original meaning.
Yet there are some people who seem to get it. For example, I believe Taylor Swift gets it. Though she is a highly accomplished singer/songwriter, she remains humble. Sure, she puts on a show for the crowds, but immediately comes back down to earth when she walks off the stage. She knows that she has not accomplished all she possibly can and continues to work toward it. She remains humble, knowing there are things she is not good at.
We can argue the points I made about Taylor Swift. After all, they are just one person’s opinions. Personally, her music is not my type of music, even though her early country songs were catchy. What is not debatable is that people who humble themselves and give their all toward a goal will often find themselves lifted up by others.
Jesus tells a parable about a wedding banquet. He says not to sit in a place of honor but sit in a lowly place. When the host sees you, he will then move you to a more honorable seat. Of course, this parable is not about a literal wedding banquet but making a point for how we are to conduct ourselves before God. Rather than assuming we are righteous of our own accord and assume a seat at the front of God’s throne, instead be humble as a servant and allow God to determine where your seat is.
The most exalted servants of God’s were humble. Moses claimed he was not a good speaker. Jeremiah stated he was too young and inexperienced. Elijah fled for his life and cried out to God. David was a man after God’s own heart, but knew he was a sinner and asked God for forgiveness. Jesus was the humble Servant who obeyed God’s will to the point of going to the cross to save each one of us.
Thoughts to ponder: what will God do with you if you humble yourself before him? How will God exalt you if you are willing to do what he asks? What is your motivation? Is it to seek honor for yourself? Or are you seeking to honor God? Answers to these questions speak loudly about us. Why we do things is as important as how we do them.
Rather than seeking to be the one on stage with thousands cheering for you, seek to be the one who does God’s will and have him cheering for you. For when God is the one cheering, he is also the one who lifts us up. Great is the reward for the one who is humble and obedient to God.
Luke 14:11 “For all who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
Marty Pressey 