Check Yourself Before You Wreck Yourself
- Alisen Bigerton
- Sep 13
- 2 min read
“When we choose humility, we are better able to emulate Jesus, and that is how we achieve true greatness.”
“For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” Luke 14:11 NLT
In this passage, Jesus is teaching humility by telling His audience not to place themselves in seats of honor at wedding feasts. He explains that someone more distinguished may have also been invited, and in that event someone who gave themselves a place of honor would be asked to give up their seat. Embarrassed, they would have to take whatever spot was left available. A guest who took the “lowest seat at the foot of the table” (vs 10), however, has the opportunity to be placed in a seat of higher honor by the host.
Most likely, we will not find ourselves in this exact situation. However, life offers us plenty of opportunities to exalt ourselves and display our pride. I have done so plenty of times, and have yet to see it end well. I have been the person who was fully confident in her own opinion, only to have someone else's perspective and knowledge knock her off her high horse.
And doesn't motherhood give us unique opportunities to choose and display pride? We will never let our kids do______– until we do, in fact, let them. We would never react “that way” – until we do. There's no way someone else knows what's best for our kids– until they do. Conversely, when we realize that we don't know everything, we are able to learn and grow. We are empowered to meet people where they are, empathize, and love others better. When we choose humility, we are better able to emulate Jesus, and that is how we achieve true greatness.
Written by Alisen, mom of 1
Faith Follow-Through:
This week, take some time to grow in motherhood and faith:
Monday:
Whether you’re just tuning in to MMF’s topic on pride and humility or you’ve already been wrestling with it, ask, or continue asking, God to show you where there is pride in your life with the confidence that He doesn't point it out to shame you. When you see those areas, confess and hand them to Jesus, asking Him to help you leave them at His feet.
Tuesday:
Be willing to apologize to your kids if the opportunity presents itself. I have learned that apologizing to my son when I snap at him (or whatever the case may be) serves as a reminder of my imperfections and of God's grace. It also sets a good example for our kids.
Wednesday:
Look for ways to learn either from or about others. This could be a conversation with someone to gain insight into their perspective, or talking with your kids about why they did something or felt a certain way. Ask God to help you keep an open mind and give you learning opportunities.
Thursday:
Remind yourself of who God says He is and who He says you are. Ask Him to help you have the right view of yourself and of others.
