Humble Thyself
Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted” ( Matthew 23:12 ). “exalt”: definition ; to lift up, praise and honor someone or something. When Jesus made this statement and it was recorded for posterity sake, He was chastising the religious leaders/ teachers of the law, for their neglecting the more important matters and instead, seeking the praises of the people and their peers. They liked for folks to recognize “them”, to honor “them”, to praise and lift “them” up. It was “pride” rearing its ugly head and seeking the applause and approval of “man”, over the approval of GOD…and GOD will not let this go without dealing with it in His way and in His time. Back when we were kids, you didn’t interrupt adults when they were talking. You spoke when you were spoken to…and you responded with “yes ma’am, no sir, please and thank you.” It was known as “good manners”…but it was really, being taught to be “humble “. Too many kids nowadays get away with talkin back to their parents, responding with “yeah”s, “what”’s and blatant interruptions while their parents are right in the middle of a conversation. It’s as if the parent doesn’t see that their “kid” is controlling “them”, instead of the other way around. What they also ain’t recognizing is, that kid will be an adult one day…and their “pride”-filled ways are going to be the cause of much destruction and heartache ( Proverbs 16:18 ). Mom, Dad, if you don’t recognize it now, while you’re still responsible for them, and turn em from their wicked ways, you will be held accountable by God for not training them in the admonition of the Lord and His ways. Just sayin. If your example ain’t teachin and showin them Christ-likeness and respect for the God who created them, Satan will gladly train them to act like his children and honor “him”. Teaching Christlike humility is one of the greatest gifts we could ever pass down … no matter who we’re passing it down to. Don’t wonder if they are learning from their Sunday school teachers or their school teachers…it’s “YO JOB !” Jesus ain’t just talkin to these “teachers of the law” back when … He’s talkin to you and me, today ! And He’s tellin us, “ Woe to yall who won’t clean up your own house but look down on others” ( Matthew 23:25-26 ). It’s a clear reprimand from God and ignoring it will be fatal. Jesus…God with flesh on, didn’t go around sayin,” Look at me !” or “Look what I did !” He humbly accepted the task at hand and while He was here, He loved people enough to tell them the truth. He exalted His Father and gave Him the credit for everything He did. He pointed them to the Only One that could change them and bring them out of the pit they were constantly clawing to get out of ! It starts with our recognizing the futility of our own efforts and the power that’s available through Christ ( John 14:6; John 10:10 ). Having a relationship with GOD through faith in Jesus the SON, has too many benefits to list ! If we wanna exalt somebody, He’s the One who’s earned it ! Anything we do here on earth that deserves recognition, needs to be credited to the ONE who gives us the strength, mental capacity, talents and gifts to do “whatever” it was. Humble surrender leads to humble submission.