The Lowest Place

 “But when you are invited, take the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he will say to you, ‘Friend, move up to a better place.’ Then you will be honored in the presence of all the other guests. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

— Luke 14:10-11

Gracious Lord Jesus, my friend and my King,

What does taking the lowest place look like? Many times I think I'm taking the lowest place by putting myself down or diminishing who I am. That's false humility. And when I use false humility, I'm hoping for someone else to build me up. It's pride looking for strokes. Taking the lowest place isn't thinking less of yourself, it's thinking of yourself less. 

When I have set expectations on how I should be addressed, treated, or welcomed, I'm already looking for a seat in the better place. When I take the lowest place, I'm reminding myself of my humble state. When I take the lowest place, I remember that you found me in my lowest place, stuck in my sin. There you freed me and healed me and invited me up to a better place with you. Taking the lowest place reminds me of this. Where would I be had you not found me and called me up and out, saving me from death, sin, and Satan?

Every time I enter a space, am given an invitation, or asked to a seat of leadership, whatever it might be, may my first inclination be to take the lowest place. My motivation isn't the hope of being noticed and asked to move up. My motivation is to remind my soul of my own humility apart from Christ. Everything, and I mean everything, in this life is a gift of grace, undeserved favor bestowed to me from the King of the Universe as an adopted son.

Gracious Lord, today I look for and choose to take the lowest place. Not out of self-pity, but out of self-giving. As I seek the lowest place, I allow You to invite me up to any better place as You see fit—without expectation or assumption. Teach me Your humility today.

— In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen!

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