“…before honor is humility” (Proverbs 18:12, 15:33).
The way up is down.
A life lived in humility and service is a life lived with purpose and meaning. Jesus impacted human history because He was meek and lowly in heart (Mat. 11:29). He was given the honor of a name above all names because of His humble, obedient service to God (Phil. 2:7-9).
It is this mindset which must be in Jesus’ disciples (Phil 2:5). Because a disciple is not greater than his master (Mat. 10:24), Jesus declares that a disciple of His is perfectly trained when he is like Him (Luke 6:40). Unlike the Gentiles who seek honor through power and lording their position over others, “it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many” (Mat. 20:26-28).
A life worthy of God’s honor is a life which gives a cup of cold water to a little one (Mat. 10:42). It follows Jesus’ example of washing feet (John 13:14-17). It feeds the hungry, gives drink to the thirsty, takes in the stranger, clothes the naked, and visits the sick and those in prison (Mat. 25:35-36).
Solomon said it twice: Before honor is humility.
