“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 NIV)
Like almost every writer who has ever written, I enjoy my work being read. In fact, I admit that almost every day I check my blog stats to see how many people have viewed it. When the view graph spikes, I confess it gives me a sense of excitement and, occasionally, I wonder if that spike will lead to having a large audience and perhaps even a book deal.
While it is okay to dream of bigger things for myself, there is also a danger in it, of which the Lord reminded me through this passage several weeks ago. So many people these days want to be recognized and perhaps even famous; thus the popularity of social media such as YouTube, Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. People put themselves out there to be noticed; some hoping their next post will go viral. In many respects, they are like the people in Jesus’ parable—they are seeking special attention rather than allowing it to come to them naturally.
Like today, people in the 1st Century were easily seduced by status and power. The disciples of Jesus were no exception, as is seen clearly in their debate among themselves about who was the greatest among them (Mark 9:33-35). Though Jesus had the right to claim the highest honors and the most attention, He never did in His earthly life. As Paul so eloquently describes, He “who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!” (Philippians 2:6-8) Jesus came, not to become the most famous human being to ever live, but to do His Father’s will. He humbled Himself, and fame and honor followed His obedience.
Throughout His ministry, Jesus sought to get this across to His disciples. It was a truth they found difficult to learn, and so it is with us today. What I have begun to realize is my desire for recognition is evidence of my lack of humility. I want the attention because deep down I think I deserve it. I am unwilling to sit in the back of the room; I want to grab that seat on the stage where everyone will recognize my abilities and applaud me.
So when I read this a few weeks ago, it was as though the host escorted me from the place of honor on stage, which I sought for myself, and led me to a seat in the back of the room. I was humbled and rightly so. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled.
Today, follow the example of Jesus. Don’t seek glory and honor for yourself. Be humble and content with living your life in obedience to Him. Your seat on the stage will become available in His time.
© Jim Musser 2014
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