Exalted by Men or Honored by God (Luke 14:8–11)

 

The Danger of Human Exaltation

One of the worst things that can happen to a person is to be exalted to a god-like status by men. For the same people who lift you up today may, in another season, shout at the top of their voices:

“Crucify him!” (John 19:6)

The Dual Capacity of Man

The truth is this:

  • You have the capacity for great good — “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works” (Ephesians 2:10).

  • You also have the capacity for great evil — “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?” (Jeremiah 17:9).

  • The environment, your state of mind, and the company you keep can either strengthen good or amplify evil — “Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm” (Proverbs 13:20).

  • Even things capable of good can become instruments of destruction if misused — “If your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away” (Matthew 5:30).

Sometimes, evil manifests in ways that seem beyond our control (though this is not an excuse). We need to know this and stay alert.

Why Not Trust in Men?

So then, why take pride in men or put your confidence in them, when you know they too are prone to weakness and failure?

“Do not put your trust in princes, in human beings, who cannot save.” (Psalm 146:3)

If a man does any true good—not just the appearance of it—it is only because of an external influence. That influence is the Spirit of God working in him.

And this should constantly leave us in awe:

How can a creature so prone to selfishness, lust, and the pursuit of pleasure at all costs, choose to do what is good? How great is that influence, how powerful is that Spirit!

Seek the Lower Seat

Therefore, do not seek the highest seats of honor for yourself. Jesus warned:

“When someone invites you to a wedding feast, do not take the place of honor… For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” (Luke 14:8–11)

If you exalt yourself and are later found dishonorable, your fall will be both great and loud. But if you humble yourself, the Host will notice you and raise you up in due time.

This is not a law but wisdom—meant to save you from great humiliation.

Walking with the Spirit

You desire the top? The place of honor? Then first strive to walk closely with the One who can activate the good in you and suppress the evil in you to the point of death.

“For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.” (Romans 8:13)

“Ye Are Gods” — But Not Deities

When Scripture says, “You are gods” (Psalm 82:6), it does not mean you are divine. You are still human—seeing in part, hearing in part, prone to error and mistakes.

Yet, you are also capable of great good if you keep to God’s instructions.

The Final Word

Understand who you are and what you can become. Make the right choices daily. And when it is time for honor…

Let the Host of the banquet exalt you.

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