January 5, 2011
Truth Connections
Devotions for Parents on the Go
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Humility Part Two: Humility Taught
Background Passage: Philippians 2:1-11, Luke 14:1-11, John 13:1-17
Today's Focal Passage:
 
7 He told a parable to those who were invited, when He noticed how they would choose the best places for themselves: 8 "When you are invited by someone to a wedding banquet, don't recline at the best place, because a more distinguished person than you may have been invited by your host. 9 The one who invited both of you may come and say to you, 'Give your place to this man,' and then in humiliation, you will proceed to take the lowest place.  10 "But when you are invited, go and recline in the lowest place, so that when the one who invited you comes, he will say to you, 'Friend, move up higher.' You will then be honored in the presence of all the other guests. 11 For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted."


Luke 14:7-11
Table Manners

Don't chew with your mouth full. Keep your elbows off the table. No texting at the table. Do not say, "Yuck." Use your fork, not your fingers.

Teaching table manners can seem fruitless. It's bad enough for grandparents to see the kids; it's downright frightening to consider taking them to a formal banquet.  What if they play "see-food" with the guest of honor?

When it came to table etiquette Jesus was more concerned with the manner in which we choose the table rather than how we eat once we get there. He had been invited to eat dinner at an important person's home. When the guests were called to the table the Lord watched everyone jockey for the most prestigious seat.  It was obviously time for a little humility-cotillion. 

The Lord's table manners can be summarized with: Take the lowest spot and leave the best for others. Self-promotion leads to demotion. Avoid humiliation by demonstrating humility. Don't promote yourself, let others promote you. 

Jesus even taught parents a lesson about how to teach manners! Jesus could have blasted the dinner guests for their arrogance and poor etiquette. Instead He told a story that was not intended to demean His listeners but motivate them to change their behavior. Humility does not humiliate.

Pay attention to how often you choose the best places without even really thinking about it. Purposefully give up a good spot today.

Lord, I need to be careful because You see when I maneuver for the best position. I am comforted to know You notice every time I humbly take the lowest spot. Thank You for Your promises that turn this world's logic upside down. Help me to believe those promises and live by them. In Your name I pray, Amen.
Amy Summers
Think It Through:
  • Why are some places/times harder than others to practice humility?
  • How does being secure in our identity as children of God more fully enable us to do the most menial of tasks?
  • Who to you models the quality of humility? Plan one way you can encourage that person this week.