The desire to exalt ourselves can come naturally in a world that often rewards pride and self-promotion. Yet, the Bible teaches us a different approach. In the eyes of God, humility is the path to honor, while self-exaltation leads to humiliation. Jesus reminds us that those who lift themselves up will eventually be brought low, but those who humble themselves will be raised up by God’s grace.

Today’s Scripture:
“For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” — Luke 18:14 (NKJV)

The Illusion of Self-Exaltation

The tendency to exalt ourselves stems from a need for recognition or validation. We can be tempted to build up our image, thinking that success, popularity, or status will bring us lasting fulfillment. However, this path is fraught with deception. When we focus on lifting ourselves up, we distance ourselves from God, relying on our strength instead of His. Jesus’ warning in Luke 18:14 shows that the pursuit of self-exaltation ultimately leads to being humbled—often in ways we don’t expect.

True Honor Comes from Humility

Jesus contrasts the proud with the humble, revealing that true honor comes when we lower ourselves before God and others. Humility opens the door for God to work in our lives, allowing His grace to lift us in due time. As James 4:10 reminds us, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up.” God sees the heart, and when we choose to let go of our need for personal glory, we find that His favor and exaltation surpass anything we could gain on our own.

Steps to Embrace Humility

1. Let Go of the Need for Approval: We often exalt ourselves to gain the approval of others. Instead, seek God’s approval above all. When you release the pressure to impress people, you open your heart to the contentment and peace that come from pleasing God.
2. Recognize Your Need for God: Pride convinces us that we don’t need help, but humility begins when we recognize our complete dependence on God. Proverbs 3:34 tells us that “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” By acknowledging that everything we have is from Him, we allow His grace to flow into our lives.
3. Celebrate the Success of Others: Humility finds joy in the success and blessings of others. Rather than competing or feeling envious, practice celebrating others’ victories. This act of humility strengthens your character and fosters genuine love.
4. Seek Forgiveness and Reconciliation: Pride often keeps us from apologizing or mending broken relationships. Humility, however, leads us to seek forgiveness when necessary and to forgive others. Jesus set the ultimate example of humility on the cross, offering forgiveness to those who had wronged Him.

The Reward of Humility

Those who humble themselves will experience God’s exaltation. While the world may not always reward humility immediately, God promises that in His time, He will lift up those who walk humbly. This exaltation comes in many forms—peace, spiritual growth, deeper relationships, and sometimes even honor in the eyes of others. But the greatest reward is knowing we are walking in alignment with God’s will, free from the need to promote ourselves.

Conclusion:
The desire to exalt ourselves may bring temporary satisfaction, but it ultimately leads to disappointment and humbling experiences. On the other hand, choosing humility opens the door for God to lift us up in ways we could never achieve on our own. As Luke 18:14 reminds us, “For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” Let us commit to a life of humility, trusting God to exalt us in His perfect timing.

Prayer:
Lord, we surrender our need for self-exaltation and ask You to help us walk in humility. Teach us to value Your approval over the approval of others, and to find joy in lifting others up. May Your grace be our strength, and may we trust in Your timing to exalt us according to Your will. Amen.