A Choice For Humility

“For all who exalt themselves will be humbled,

and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

–Luke 14:7

A former pastorate of mine offered transportation from and to a nearby retirement community each Sunday morning. The congregation had purchased a 21-passenger bus primarily for youth activities, but soon expanded its use. Given the bus size, drivers had to have a Commercial Driver’s License and soon we lined-up 4 or 5 members to volunteer their services. I obtained a CDL, too, so that I could drive, too, as an emergency-backup. While I’m sure I drove the bus for other events, I can only remember doing so once on a Sunday morning run to that Senior Living Community. In my mind’s eye, I can still see in the rearview mirror some passengers bounce when I ran over a curb! 

One of our regular drivers was a member named Marvin.  He was perfect for the role.  Not only did he already possess a CDL because of his work, but he had a warm and welcoming spirit, too.  He quickly became a favorite of our guests. I also learned early on that Marvin had a competitive spirit. 

Another Presbyterian church offered rides for the same SLC using a refurbished school bus. The two church vehicles would typically arrive at the same time for pick-up. Whenever Marvin was driving ours he would give me a quick count after worship of how many people had come to our church and how many to the other. And he was especially excited one Sunday to tell me that our bus had departed with every seat taken while the other one left empty. 

As one who tries to manage his own competitive instincts well honed from having two older brothers, I smiled at the news and inwardly began to consider the reason.  Was it an unofficial sign of preference for our worship service or the friendliness of our congregation?  Might it be an endorsement of my preaching?  I let myself consider all kind of flattering explanations.

At some point thereafter, I was talking with the Christian Educator from that church and teasingly said, “I hear that our bus has more guests these days than the one for your congregation.”  Unfazed, she replied “Oh, I heard that, too.  I understand it’s because your bus has a lower first step.”  Somehow, that reason hadn’t been on my list of possible explanations! 

Thinking of that embarrassment caused me to recall a moment in Luke’s gospel when Jesus commented on how persons could maneuver for better seating at dinner parties.  Perhaps there has always been the attempt by guests to be seated as close as possible to the host. As a great observer of human behavior, Jesus pointed out that such choices in the first century could turn out badly. 

He goes on to tell a parable about a guest at a wedding banquet who takes a place of honor near the host only to be asked by the bride’s father to move to a spot further away. Jesus suggests that one should instead take a less distinguished location at such meals so that then the host might come along and have them move to a more honored spot. “For all who exalt themselves will be humbled,” Jesus says “and all who humble themselves will be exalted.  

Jesus wasn’t telling that story primarily to explain preferred guest etiquette. Nor was he suggesting that the host in the parable was God. No, he used that everyday image to get to the main point that his followers were to behave differently. In particular, he wanted them to resist the temptation only to invite persons into their own home for dinner in the hopes that their guests would eventually repay the favor. Instead, Jesus urged them to seek the outcasts of society for a banquet in their home. “And you will be blessed,” he concluded ” because they cannot repay you.”  

Such advice was consistent with the approach shown throughout his ministry of always reaching out to and including those whom the culture tended to push aside. While that is his primary word to as well, such guidance will also lessen the risk of forced humility.

Humble One, you came into this world to serve instead of being served. Help me to take one intentional step this day of following more closely your example. Amen.