by Amber Morton, Barrie Campus, Transit Small Group Leader
Welcome to Day 14 of the 24 Day Devotion. So glad you’re joining us! Each day for 24 days as a church, we’re going to read one chapter of the Gospel of Luke and post a devotion on it.
If you’ve never read the Bible, we’re so glad you’re joining us. And if you read the Bible, we hope this helps you grow in your faith.
Need to catch up? Start at Luke 1 – Is The New Testament A Lie? and follow along. Today’s devotion is below.
READ Luke 14
REFLECT
“All who had come… were trying to sit in the seats of honour.”
How often do we see this happening around us? We naturally want to set ourselves apart from – and above – others; we sell ourselves, promote ourselves, constantly. Social media, and so much of our culture, is centred on one-upping – doing the best… or at least making it clear we’re doing better than them.
But then, those “Pinterest fails.” Ever seen those? How we are humbled! The dessert falls flat; the car still won’t start; the baby is screaming; and the new hairstyle looks like a toddler did it… But how often do we share those moments, lest it be clear to all just how imperfect we are? How real? How… humbled?
“For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
So what if we started out humble? Chose to take the low place, and live with humility?
What would our lives look like if we built each other up instead; loved those around us, and especially those who can’t give anything back to us? I love the way The Message translation frames it:
“You’ll be – and experience – a blessing. They won’t be able to return the favour, but the favour will be returned – oh, how it will be returned! – at the resurrection of God’s people.” Luke 14: 14
When we choose to be humble, we allow ourselves to be free – to live without the fear of falling from the place of honour, and instead to enjoy ourselves from the foot of the table. Perhaps those around us will lift us up. But regardless of the response from those around us, God will certainly recognize and reward our humility.
Yes, it will cost us to follow Jesus.
At times we will be uncomfortable, we will have to make hard choices, our character will need work, we won’t fit in, and our choices and actions will not align with current cultural values and priorities.
When we choose to be humble, we might not get as many likes, or follows, or shares. But at the end of our day, the reward will be so much greater than the temporary, earthly seat of honour – it will be beyond what we can currently comprehend.
BOTTOM LINE
“If you are content to be simply yourself, you will become more than yourself.”
LIVE
This week, be mindful of from where – and whom – you are seeking approval, and instead of using your influence and abilities to bring honour to yourself, allow them to build up those around you, and ultimately honour God.
PRAY
God, show me how to take the low place. Help me to stop seeking the seat of honour and building myself up, and to instead build up those around me. Allow me to find opportunities to love others – especially those who can’t repay me.
Fix my eyes on living humbly for you, and help me to be content being myself, as you work in me and prepare me for the future you have planned for me.
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