Luke 14:11 “’ For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.’”

How many times have you seen little children push and shove to be the first in line? That is especially true if they are waiting in line for a snack or to go out for recess. They just have to be first in line. Somehow they think if they are first they get something special.

The people in the room with Jesus were jockeying for position at the table. They were trying to be in that special position near Jesus. They wanted to be seen as being close to Him. But Jesus puts them in their place with these words we just read. Do you think they heard Him?

Who wants to be humbled? No one! Our flesh wants to be recognized and noticed. We prefer the exaltation, not the humility. We prefer to be first, not last. We prefer to be closest, not furtherest away.

So how do we teach our children this life lesson? Be observant. When you see them willingly give up their spot or let someone else have that first piece of dessert, find a way to reward them. Praise them for that selfless act. Show them you noticed it. But don’t stop there. Bring up this verse and make the point that God noticed that too.

Humility is an important lesson for us all. I know that any humility in me is Jesus because I am not capable of humility on my own. I am proud and boastful of my flesh. But I know if I humble myself and let the Lord exalt me, it is much sweeter. So step back.