There is no place on earth quite like Washington, DC. It is a town filled with very powerful people—a city that attracts the best and brightest, men and women who are hungry for power, prestige, recognition, influence and acclaim. As people calculate and execute their upward ascent strategies, many are convinced that they will be happy when they reach the very pinnacle of success. But they are in for a rude awakening, because those who climb aggressively to the top, those who raise themselves above others, are headed for a great fall. The Scriptures promise that “he who exalts himself shall be humbled, but whoever humbles himself shall be exalted.”
It seems so counterintuitive, but Jesus said that the way to greatness is by becoming a servant, not a star. If you really want to become somebody, then don’t be afraid to be a “nobody.” Your role model is none other than Jesus himself. Though he was God, he humbled himself and thought only in terms of serving God and others. As a result, God exalted him above every throne and dominion. If Jesus humbled himself, should we not, as well?
When we humble ourselves, God lifts us up to heights we never could have attained by our own striving. Jesus, the Son of God, humbled himself. Should we not do likewise?
“Power is given only to those who dare to lower themselves. . . . Only one thing matters, one thing; to be able to dare!” FYODOR DOSTOEVSKY
PROVERBS 11:2 (NLT) Pride leads to disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.
MATTHEW 23:12 (NLT) “But those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
1 PETER 5:6–7 (NLT) So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.
PHILIPPIANS 2:5–9 Have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing, by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. . . . He humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross! Therefore, God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name.
LUKE 1:51–52 (NLT) His mighty arm has done tremendous things! He has scattered the proud and haughty ones. He has brought down princes from their thrones and exalted the humble.
JOB APPLICATION
- What ways have you been tempted to exalt yourself in your particular world?
- What does Jesus’ example of humility challenge you to do?
- What are some benefits of putting God and others before yourself?
michaelwmschick 