by Charles Stanley
Intouch Ministries
Luke 14:7-11
Have you ever exalted yourself? It may not have involved choosing the best seat at a banquet, but perhaps you’ve let culture shape what you do. For example, we’re encouraged to “blow our own horn,” demand our rights, and seek recognition. But Jesus taught that we should humble ourselves and let God do the exalting. And His ways of rewarding us are different from the world’s. While He may choose to bless us materially, such benefits can’t compare with the less tangible rewards He offers—like answered prayer or increased understanding of who He is. Certain attitudes prevent us from humbling ourselves and may obstruct divine rewards. These include ...
Impatience. We want it now and are unwilling to trust that God is in control.
Insecurity. If certain things don’t happen, we feel we cannot continue.
Identity in the wrong things. Our self-worth is wrapped up in achieving society’s standards of success.
Ignorance of God’s ways. We disregard His Word and decide what’s right.
Impure motives. Discontent or jealousy causes us to push ahead of God and use manipulation to get our way.
Impulsiveness. Without asking God, we assume every opportunity in life is an open door we should enter.
Ingratitude. If we lack gratefulness, our perspective can be skewed.
A humble nature doesn’t come naturally. We find humility not by seeking it, but by seeking the Lord. As we focus on Him in all His greatness, we’ll come to understand how worthy He is of our total submission, worship, and reverence.