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.”
1 Peter 5:5 NLT
http://bible.com/116/1pe.5.5.NLT
The correct spiritual position is looking up, reaching up, towards God.
Whatever changes this position of honoring God is a distraction and a danger.
This is why considering oneself a teacher, especially if that involves looking down on others as not as worthy of respect or as lesser, is dangerous. But if we are fellow students long up to God as our teacher in common, we are remaining in that right spiritual stance.
That is why considering oneself to be a good deed doer, especially if that involves long down on others as in a position of need that we don’t think we share, is dangerous. Benefactors look down upon those they help, and only God is in the position to look down upon His creation as benefactor. He alone is worthy of praise. But if we are fellow faithful servants all at the feet of God, relying on Him alone for our confidence, not our wealth or ability, we are remaining in that right spiritual stance.
This is why truly being a servant to others is important, because it keeps us in that spiritual position, on our knees at the feet of others, looking up to them and still looking up to God.
If we are serving others looking down, then we are not serving God, but we are serving our own pride of considering ourselves to be in a seat that isn’t ours to occupy.
“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? 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! “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. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
Luke 14:8-11 NLT
http://bible.com/116/luk.14.8-11.NLT
We are invited to the wedding feat, friends. But do we find ourselves eagerly assuming the honored seat of the bride, or are we accepting the invitation to the celebration in grattitude for the opportunity to even be a servant in the Lord’s house for such an occasion?
Oh, to even be a servant on my father’s house after being with the pigs! Might He forgive even me and allow me into His house again?
YES HE WILL!
Father, grace us with your presence, even as we return, even as we are covered in the dust off our long journey – let us not expect you to run to us and honor us. Let us assume that stance of humble and genuine surprise that you have forgiven and loved even me.
Remembering that Jesus paid it all, that He washed me white as snow, not as a point of pride, but as a point of humility, reminding me that I owe it all to Him, to you, Father.
Let us come to you as humble servants, Lord.
Hallelujah, my father loves me!
He loves even me!
He washed me!
I’m so glad He washed me!
Let me wash your feet, friend!
He wants to wash you too.
Assume the right spiritual position before God, surrendered on your knees, looking up and racing up for Him, and feel His Holy Spirit wash over you, friend.
Harold J. Ballinger 