Gospel

Do Not Seek for Self

by Roland Crim
04/07/17
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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

Are we never to seek a place of distinction at an event? Are we never to be exalted? That is not what our Lord is telling us here.

God looks at the heart of each of us. What does He find therein? Is it a heart that seeks self-glory, self-satisfaction, distinction? One who has a self-seeking heart does not put God first. How can we seek to please God by constantly seeking for ourselves? God wants us to rely on Him to provide us with that which we need. We have more important work to do, the advancement of God’s kingdom.

It is not that God does not want us to exalt. It is whom He wishes us to exalt that is what matters. God wants us to exalt Him. Praise Him! Glorify Him! Humble yourself before Him and know that He is God Almighty. Do His work. Love others as you love yourself. Put the well-being of others before your own needs. Let God give to you what you need.

By giving your all to God and doing His will for you, you shall be exalted by Him!