Organizing the Inside – Day 212 With Service Comes Honor

April 2, 2012 at 11:00 am · Filed under Encouragement, Faith, Inspiration, Leadership, Love, Purpose, Wisdom, Women's Ministry and tagged: Christianity, Humility

7When Jesus noticed that all who had come to the dinner were trying to sit in the seats of honor near the head of the table, he gave them this advice: 8“When you are invited to a wedding feast, don’t sit in the seat of honor. What if someone who is more distinguished than you has also been invited? 9The host will come and say, ‘Give this person your seat.’ Then you will be embarrassed, and you will have to take whatever seat is left at the foot of the table!

10“Instead, take the lowest place at the foot of the table. Then when your host sees you, he will come and say, ‘Friend, we have a better place for you!’ Then you will be honored in front of all the other guests. 11For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” Luke 14:7-11 (NLT)

Is it wise for a man to decide his own honor?
No matter how important you feel your stature, being great in the kingdom of God is about being a servant.  But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of everyone else. Mark 10:43, 44 (NLT) Jesus teaches us that true humility will result in being honored. It is best for you to look for a place where you can serve the people of God instead of trying to find the best place of honor to show off your talents. A desire to be in the spotlight will eventually be the cause of your embarrassment. Instead serve God’s people with love from your heart. As you do this happily and willingly your gifts will make room for you.  True fulfillment won’t come from a place of honor; true fulfillment comes from a place of service. Are you looking to serve; are you willing to take a low place of low honor? Does your title, degrees or pedigree create a self-awareness that requires false humility instead?  If so, “So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor.”  Realize that there is no greater honor than to hear the words: “Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!”  Matthew 25:21 (NLT)

Don’t let pride cause you to seek honor.
Shift your thinking at once. If you find yourself wanting recognition from man, and feel you’ve earned a certain level of distinguished honor, beware. When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom. Proverbs 11:2 (KJV)  Pride ends in humiliation, while humility brings honor. Proverbs 29:23 (NLT) Do yourself a favor, “For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.”  Romans 12:3 (NIV)

There is so much work to be done.
People are lost and dying in a world filled with evil and sin. Find out what God would have you to do. Where can you serve? Forget about wanting others to serve and honor you. Enough, with the sucking up air, and using up tissue, toilet paper and paper towels!  What can you contribute? Find out how and where you can use your (TAGS) talents, abilities, gifts and skills for the kingdom. Let God handle the rest. There is a place of distinct honor at the Masters table for each of us who choose to do His will. Your time of honor will come, when you dine with the King.

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