SCRIPTURE:
“When he noticed how the guests picked the places of honor at the table, he told them this parable: “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. 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. 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. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
Luke 14:7-11
OBSERVATION:
Jesus often taught in parables and this one in particular zeroed in on pride. Using the example of a wedding feast and how seats are typically selected, he reveals man’s sense of entitlement in selecting the best for himself. The danger of course, is when someone in authority puts us in our place.
APPLICATION:
If you’ve ever attended a collegiate or professional sporting event where you were required to purchase tickets, you’ve likely observed seat hoppers. As the game goes on, they’ll leave their seats further away and try to sit in empty seats closer to the action. Unfortunately, when an usher spots them and asks them to leave, an entire stadium or arena is watching this embarrassing situation unfold.
Pride will do that to us. It will tell us that we deserve more and will try to justify our actions. Pride will get us to do things that we know we shouldn’t be doing.
God opposes pride and detests it:
“But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” – James 4:6
“The Lord detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished.” – Proverbs 16:5
The answer?
Humility.
I’ve learned many lessons about humility, but perhaps the greatest is this – Blessings can be found in humility. When we can humble ourselves, before the Lord does it for us, the Lord can really move in our lives. Humility is a choice I need to make daily.
PRAYER:
Father Almighty. Forgive me Lord when I have thought more highly of myself than I ought. Thank You Lord for the blessings you bestow upon me. May I choose humility over my pride regularly, this I pray, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
