26th August 2022
Speedy boarding
“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.”
Luke 14:10 (NIV)
Recently I was returning from a church convention and the queues at the airport were horrendous. We stood for a long, long time in the corridors leading to the security hall. The atmosphere was becoming more tense with each passing minute. People were getting worried about catching their flights and wanting to know how much longer they would have to wait.
Things were made worse by the fact that those in the fast-track check-in lane sailed through while we were stuck going nowhere, adding insult to injury. We endured watching those with priority tickets go ahead of us, then had to walk through the spacious first-class accommodation before finally reaching the more cramped conditions of coach class.
The message came across loud and clear: people with money are of more value and treated better than those without.
This is nothing new. There have always been the ‘haves’ and the ‘have nots’. Those with social status or financial resources are seen to be of more value than those without. People clamour to be part of the ‘in crowd’ and to be seen as important, having the best of everything.
Jesus, however, dealt a staggering blow to the accepted judgements of the day by turning this on its head. He told us not to take ‘the place of honour’, instead we should humble ourselves and seek the lowest place. Luke 14:11 tells us, “For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
We need to learn to see as Christ sees, looking to the inward man and not judging by outward appearances. Our social status or financial resources should not establish our significance in the eyes of others or in our own minds. God’s kingdom is not built on displays of wealth, prestige or political influence, but on love of neighbour. We should be lifting up the marginalised and those who are socially or economically humbled. We are all of significance and value to God.
Prayer
Great God our Father in heaven, help us to see others as you see them and not to seek the trappings of wealth and positions of importance in society. Let us have loving humility, not promoting self, but others, and always trusting you in everything. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Study by Jackie Mill
About the writer:
Jackie Mill is a Minister in Grace Communion International and Regional Co-Pastor for Scotland and Ireland.
Local congregation:
GCI, Edinburgh – Edinburgh has a zoom service at the moment. For details email the local congregational contact below.
Local congregational contact:
Peter Mill
Email: edinburgh@gracecom.church
Word of Life contact:
wordoflife@gracecom.church