​Actively Passive Exaltation

Luke 14:7-11 (NIV) 
7 When he noticed how the guests picked the places of honor at the table, he told them this parable: 
8 “When someone invites you to a wedding feast, do not take the place of honor, for a person more distinguished than you may have been invited. 9 If so, the host who invited both of you will come and say to you, ‘Give this person your seat.’ Then, humiliated, you will have to take the least important place. 10 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. 11 For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

Real Dudes,
There are times where God is calling us to action, which is great, we need to be active in much of what we do for Him. In today’s case, we need to be actively passive in the area of exaltation. I’ll explain. Let’s break down verse 11 from that passage above. Consider the following phrases and what they mean…

“Exalt themselves” & “Humble themselves” 
In Greek, these two phrases are in the present active participle. Which means that these individuals are currently doing the action described for us. 
For some, they are exalting themselves, rather than allowing others to put them in a position of honor, etc. They are forcing the situation to benefit themselves, rather than waiting on the Lord (Host) or others to invite them into that position. 
On the other hand, there are those who are currently and actively practicing placing themselves in a humble position. 
 
“Will be Humbled” & “Will be Exalted”
This is a future passive Indicative in the greek…which means, that it is certain that something is actually going to happen to this person in the future by someone other than himself. God promises that those who practice humility will be rewarded in His perfect way in the future. He will find a way to exalt the humble. 

When will passive exaltation happen? Pray and wait…be patient. Let it be Him or others doing the action, rather than yourself. There’s no positive reward that comes with self-exaltation. You can choose to actively exalt yourself or humble yourself. You can choose to be actively passive and allow Him to exalt you in His perfect way and time, or you can choose to take matters into your own hands and exalt yourself. Which will you choose today? You already know the reward for each decision, which will you choose? Do you want that promotion at work? Do you desire a position in the church that others will look up to? Do you want to be a starter on the team? What is it that you’re chasing after? How will you go about it? Throw a fit? Get a pity position? Get pity playing time? Or receive something because God is rewarding your humble character and hard work?

Hope these questions and thoughts help you through whatever you might be wrestling with in your mind today or in the near future. Stay encouraged and keep looking up! Rest in His promises!
Practicing His Presence,
Nate

Additional Passage:
Proverbs 25:6-7 (NLT) 
6 Don’t demand an audience with the king
    or push for a place among the great.
7 It’s better to wait for an invitation to the head table
    than to be sent away in public disgrace.

Song: Always Stay Humble and Kind