How to Be Respected!

Humility is learning how to make decisions with other people in mind.  We are connected to each other. 

Luke 14:7-11 (NLT) 

When Jesus noticed that all who had come to the dinner were trying to sit in the seats of honor near the head of the table, he gave them this advice: 

8 “When you are invited to a wedding feast, don’t sit in the seat of honor. What if someone who is more distinguished than you has also been invited? 

9 The host will come and say, ‘Give this person your seat.’ Then you will be embarrassed, and you will have to take whatever seat is left at the foot of the table!

10 “Instead, take the lowest place at the foot of the table. Then when your host sees you, he will come and say, ‘Friend, we have a better place for you!’ Then you will be honored in front of all the other guests.

Don't make decisions based on your pride.  Don't let your feelings make your decisions for you.  God wants you to humble yourself so that He can exalt you.

11 For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

God's blessing flow from humility. It is a willingness to understand that you don't know everything. Humility comes from listening. 

False humility says I'll never amount to anything. When you argue with what God say about you that is pride because you are placing what you think above what God says about you.  

Proverbs 17:28  (NLT)

28 Even fools are thought wise when they keep silent;
    with their mouths shut, they seem intelligent.

Steps to being respected. 

1. Learn how to listen.  

1 Peter 5:5 (NLT)

5 In the same way, you who are younger must accept the authority of the elders. And all of you, dress yourselves in humility as you relate to one another, for

“God opposes the proud
    but gives grace to the humble.”

Without humility you would have been  naked at birth.  Peter said to clothe yourself in humility.  

Pride weakens you.  When your feelings get hurt you start making decision based upon pride.  

1 Peter 5:6 (NLT)

6 So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor.

God is looking for permission to exalt you when you humble yourself.  Ask God to reveal areas of pride.  Note that Satan is also looking for permission to devour you.  

1 Peter 5:8 (NLT)

8 Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.

God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. 

Allow God the opportunity to lift you up.  We  determine when that happens. 

Willie George , Church of the Highlands

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