What steps can you take to let others "say to you, 'Come up here'"? Setting the Scene “ ‘But when you are invited, go and take the lowest place, so that your host will come and tell you, “Friend, move up to a better place.” Then you will be honored in front of all your fellow guests.’ ” (Luke 14:10) Why the Lord Highlights Humility • God opposes the proud but promises grace to the humble (James 4:6). • Promotion comes from Him, not from self-assertion (Psalm 75:6-7). • The pattern is consistent: “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted” (Matthew 23:12). Practical Steps That Position You for the Invitation • Choose the lowest seat first – Walk into a room—church, meeting, family gathering—and look for the hidden, unnoticed place. – Resist the inward push to be seen; practice contentment in obscurity. • Adopt a servant mindset – Ask, “How can I lighten someone else’s load today?” – Quietly meet needs without broadcasting them (Matthew 6:3-4). • Speak less, listen more – “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak” (James 1:19). – Listening honors people and leaves room for them to recognize your wisdom. • Celebrate others’ successes – Rejoice sincerely when someone else is advanced (Romans 12:15). – Refuse comparison; it chokes humility. • Stay teachable – Welcome correction (Proverbs 9:9). – Keep mentors who can still say, “You’re wrong here.” • Guard motives in small assignments – Faithfulness in little invites greater trust (Luke 16:10). – Treat hidden tasks as worship; God sees (Colossians 3:23-24). • Wait for God’s timing – “Humble yourselves…that He may exalt you in due time” (1 Peter 5:6). – When the moment is right, He will move hearts to say, “Come up here.” Guardrails for the Heart • Reject false humility—drawing attention to how low you’ve placed yourself still circles back to self. • Forgive quickly; bitterness signals self-importance. • Keep gratitude alive; thankful people rarely grasp for honor. The Blessing Attached • Honor before people (Proverbs 25:6-7). • Deeper intimacy with Christ, who “made Himself nothing” (Philippians 2:7). • A life that quietly echoes Jesus’ own path: down first, then up—cross before crown. |
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