Day 228
Matthew 23:12
"And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted."
We know it is important to avoid exalting ourselves. It is also important to watch what we do when someone else exalts us. We should be prepared for exaltation. Jesus said those who humble themselves will be exalted.
In John 17:I, Jesus said, "Father, the hour is come; glorify
Thy Son, that Thy Son also may glorify Thee." For Jesus to glorify the Father, He had to receive glory. He could not give what He did not have. God exalts us so we may exalt Him. He gives us glory so we may give Him glory. If a man or woman receives high compliments on a hair style, they are exalted for looking good. When they give the name of the barber or hairdresser who fixed their hair, the one who did the styling is exalted. God makes us look good, so we can make Him look good.
We should not shy away from receiving glory or being honored or exalted. These things happen for a purpose. Jesus informed us that it would happen. The thing we must be careful about is doing the right thing with what we receive. We will be all right as long as we give honor to God for the gifts, talents or possessions He has given us. We should receive what is given, if it is appropriate, and say "Thank you." Then, in private, we must thank God for all He has done for us. Also, in public, we must tell others how we became . good enough to achieve our goals or whatever we received honor for.
I will be exalted when I humble myself. I will exalt the Lord when He exalts me. I will make Him look good when He makes me look good. All I have and can do is because of Him.