Praise Him with a Humble Heart
God Exalts – Part 2

Scripture Reading:  Luke 18:9-14

Key Verse: Luke 18:14

“I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

As we continue yesterday’s thoughts, let’s look at the subtle ways we exalt ourselves.  I doubt that very many of us would exalt ourselves as blatantly as this Pharisee in Jesus’ parable.  Most of us would not stand up in church and pray: “God, I’m so glad I’m not like other men.”  Not very many of us would brag that we fast twice a week and give a tenth of all we get (vs. 13).

There are more subtle ways of exalting ourselves that might trip us up.  For example, after a good deed, it is easy to be proud of ourselves.  It is easy to find ways to bring up in a conversation what we did for that person.  God is part of those conversations and sees our efforts to exalt ourselves.

Have you ever pointed out a failure in someone else’s life?  Is it possible that you did that in order to make yourself look better?  So often we think by talking about someone else’s problems we make ourselves look better.  The truth is, we seldom accomplish that goal.  I believe God knows how to step into those efforts and humble us rather than allowing us to be exalted.

Jesus declared this fact when He told this crowd: “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled” (vs. 4).  Please note Jesus’ firm words: “will be”!

Father, I give you permission to point out any prideful ways in my behavior or conversations.  In Jesus’ name, amen.