May 12 -- "The Way Up is Down"

Today’s Reading: Luke 14:1-14

There He goes again! Jesus, the most powerful and influential Teacher in all of human history, once more turns worldly thinking upside-down.

This time, He radically challenges us to see self-promotion and recognition from Heavens perspective. In Luke 14, while dining at a Pharisees house, Jesus notices guests scrambling for the best seats--symbols of social status. He uses this moment to teach a radical truth: in Gods Kingdom, the way up is down. True honor comes not through self-promotion, but humility. Those who choose the lower place are the ones God exalts.

Today. the world urges us to build our brand, seek recognition, and climb the ladder. But Jesus invites us to something radically different: faithful service with no need for applause. Our goal isn’t to magnify our name or receive the applause of others, but to glorify Him.

Choosing humility is not easy. It requires ongoing trust that God sees what others overlook. It means surrendering control, resisting the temptation to create opportunities for ourselves, and believing that His rewards far outweigh the worlds fleeting applause. Serving selflessly also challenges our pride. It asks us to prioritize others' needs over our own convenience even when no one notices. It forces us to examine our motives: Am I serving for Gods glory, or in all honesty, am I seeking my own recognition? Wrestling with these questions is part of humility's refining process.

Yet, while humility is difficult, its deeply transformative. It frees us from the exhausting cycle of self-promotion, anchoring our hearts in the unshakable approval of God. Over time, humility strengthens our trust in Him and aligns our hearts more closely with His purposes. The good news? Were not called to do this alone. Jesus modeled perfect humility by serving others, declaring "I came not to be served but to serve." (Matthew 20:28) When Jesus departed from this world, He didn't leave us to work this out on our own. He left us with the Holy Spirit, through whom He empowers us to walk the same path of humility and selfless service that He exemplified. Its not the easiest road, but with the Holy Spirit's enabling, it leads to true freedom and lasting fulfillment.

Today, may your heart be transformed by this heavenly perspective. And may you walk humbly with your Lord, trust His timing, and know that He sees and will honor your humility in His perfect way.