“For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” Luke 14:11 (NIV)
This is in the parable about taking the lowest seat at the banquet to allow other guests to sit in the better seats. The host insists that you move to a better seat, and you will be honored by the other guests.
It’s kind of like choosing food at a buffet … do we over fill our plates with everything on offer like it’s our last meal ever or do we take a smaller portion knowing we can always come back for seconds if we’re still hungry? Our mentality needs to be about giving, not taking.
“Give, and it will be given to you…” Luke 6:38 (NIV)
God says to trust Him and He will provide. Trust Him and He will exalt us. We can relax – He has us covered as long as we do our part which is to stay under His authority and influence through the Bible, prayer, worship and fellowship. The outcome of His influence on our lives is simple. He loves us and asks us to love Him and to love other people – putting them first.