“When he noticed how the guests picked the places of honor at the table, he told them this parable: 8 “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. 9 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. 10 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. 11 For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” Luke 14.7-11
This past week, the FIFA World Cup began. I am not a huge soccer fan, but like many others, I enjoy watching the World Cup when it comes around every four years. It is easy to follow, has a global reach, and is genuinely entertaining.
Yet I noticed a striking difference this week between two players who scored goals. One embraced his teammates after scoring, sharing in the glory of the moment as a team effort. The other, however, threw off his teammates who were trying to embrace him so he could stand alone and receive the acclaim and recognition. Scoring a goal on this world stage is a big deal, and these two men’s responses could not have been more opposite.
Jesus offers a powerful parable about pride and humility in the form of a dinner invitation, and it is very telling. Those guests who exalt themselves will be humbled, while those who humble themselves will be exalted. It is better to humble yourself first, Jesus teaches, than to be humbled by those who are more important. “For all who exalt themselves will be humbled,” Jesus says, “and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
Today I am in Tibás, Costa Rica—a suburb of San José—where I have been many times working with the Evangelical Methodist Church of Costa Rica. I am leading a group from Revive and Truett Seminary. There are 24 of us on the team, all older youth and young adults. My word of encouragement to them last night—and to myself—is humility. Be humble in serving. Put God and others first. “Humble yourselves before the Lord,” James 4:10 says, “and he will lift you up.”
Humility is not always easy for me. I try to find a balance between my own needs and wants and the needs and wants of others. But as we know, humility is key to the Kingdom. Jesus did not conquer sin and death by being prideful. On the contrary, he humbled himself, died upon the cross, and rose three days later so that we might be saved. It was humility, not pride, that secured our place in heaven.
And so today, my desire is to display the fruit of the Spirit—especially humility. To go last, to help and serve others, and to place myself not first at the table but last in all things, so that through my humility Christ might be magnified.
“O Lord God, I am thankful for your love for me. Thank you for this life that you have given—for the grace of the moment, the power of your presence, and my place in your Kingdom. Help me be all that you have called and created me to be. Allow me to walk in your presence. Fill me with grace and love so that others might find salvation in Jesus’ name. I love you, Lord, and praise your name, for you are good and your love endures forever.” Amen.