In the sermon I heard recently, our Pastor, using the parable of the wedding feast, stressed humility. Jesus was telling some folks who were anything but humble, that they should mend their ways.
"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 man 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 your fellow guests. For everyone who exalts
himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted." Luke 14:7-11
This really resonated with me because this month I've been studying what the Bible says about wisdom, and guess what? Wisdom is often linked with humility. Here are some examples:
"Wisdom's instruction is to fear the LORD, and humility comes before honor." Proverbs 15:33
"When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom." Proverbs 11:2
"Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom." James 3:13
Our knee-jerk response is to respond quickly, and to put ourselves first. Worldly advice confirms this -- "don't be a door mat" -- "look out for number one." This is our sinful nature talking. According to the Bible when we do this, we lack understanding. It's not wise, and it won't get the best results in the long term.
So, when making decisions, take a breath. Pray for understanding. Be humble. Be wise.
For more posts about humility see:
The Gift of Humility
Rest in Humility
It's Hard to be Humble!
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