Finding Your Seat
Week Eighteen
April 27, 2025
O LORD, what is man that you regard him, or the son of man that you think of him?
— Psalm 144:3 (ESV)
It has been said that true humility is not thinking less of yourself, it is thinking of yourself less. ¹
Saul, Israel’s first king, desired by God’s people, handsome and tall, was small “in his own eyes.” Not so with David, Israel’s second king. You could say David, God’s anointed choice, was not “in his own eyes” – God was; God held his gaze, not self. David, who penned the words of Psalm 144, was not saying that God doesn’t think about us or care for us; he is saying that given God’s supremacy and majesty, his altogether otherness, it is incredible that he does! With clever diction, inspired by the Spirit, David points to man’s humble estate only to quickly turn our eyes to who the Lord of glory is. God’s greatness is implied.
When our self-importance is overtaken and consumed by God’s importance, we will find our seat at the table of service. God has a place for you at this table. But know this, reservations at this table will not satiate needy egos or fulfill selfish ambitions. The invitation to the gathering at this table reads, “must be willing to serve, no matter how small the task.” Those hungering for the grandiose are quietly escorted away along with the self-important and name seekers. The Lord will have your seat assigned where he desires.
God employs those who are comfortable serving with the gifts he has given them, however limited that measure of grace may seem. David’s resume for battling Goliath was not a battle-hardened skillset, it was his boast in the God who delivered him from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear while he cared for his flock. As shepherd-boy and as king, David was grounded in his relationship with the Lord. He knew his place, found his seat, and served his God.
Jesus models for us what our attitude towards one another should be and how we are to relate to one another. Israel’s true and final king shows us what it is to walk in humble service. He went from glory to grave and gave us the golden mindset — love one another. He obeyed to the point of death so that we who were enslaved to it could be freed from its grip. Embracing this attitude, we relate to one another, preferring each other, and bringing blessing to those bearing burdens.
Who are we that God should care for us, think about us, be so involved in our lives? The high and holy One has set up dual residence. He lives in an eternal home and dwells alongside the lowly and contrite, to restore and revive. Lord, give us eyes to see what David saw – the greatness of you in a lowly life.
Monday
April 28, 2025
He must increase; I must decrease.
— John 3:30 (BSB)
John the Baptist held a golden truth hidden under that camel skin cloak of his. He realized that his service was in service to God’s purpose — not vice versa. This truth is for us to hold on to as well. Can we be content to serve others humbly with what God has given us for as long as God has given us to serve? As Mother Teresa is quoted as saying, “God does not require that we be successful only that we be faithful.” Whether great in man’s eyes, or insignificant in the world’s estimation, may John’s attitude serve as an example to ours.
Are there any areas in your service to God where selfish ambition may be lurking? How important are attitude and motive when serving others?
What opportunities for serving others has God given to you? Do you ever feel inadequate to serve in these opportunities? Why?
Tuesday
April 29, 2025
“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.”
— Luke 14:8 (NIV)
In this scripture, Jesus is speaking to a heart attitude, not giving advice on how to save face or procure promotion. Two things may help your heart’s disposition. Firstly, you are a guest. You’ve been invited, welcomed by a gracious host. You did not purchase your ticket to this event. Secondly, as a guest, you may not be the most important guest. Our hearts should always make room for the honor of others.
Have you ever experienced the kind of humbling described by Jesus in this passage of scripture? (See vs. 14:9) Do you find it difficult to honor others before yourself?
How would you define distinguished? Do you find it difficult to consider that someone may be more honor-worthy than you?
Wednesday
April 30, 2025
In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus …
— Philippians 2:5 (NIV)
We know that he who was rich, for our sakes became poor — rights relinquished, station descended, Jesus, servant of all. In our approach to others let us carry this message by our words and actions as we relate to one another. I prefer you. I value you above my rights. I’ll go low with you, walk long with you, soar with you when you soar, and walk wide with you in your wandering. Love would have it no other way.
Have you experienced the challenge and blessing of walking alongside someone through a dark trial? What did you learn through that experience and how did it affect your relationship with that person?
What do you think it looks like for faith to express itself through love? Have you ever felt the love of someone walking with you through a difficulty?
Thursday
May 1, 2025
For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.
— Romans 12:3 (ESV)
God gives us gifts to serve one another. Everything comes from him; there is no place for boasting. And since everything comes from him, there is no place for belittling your gifts either, no matter how small they seem in your own eyes. “Oh, I can do this or that, but not very well.” God gave you that ability; be content with the measure he has given you. The boy with two fish and five loaves was. He offered it all without commentary. Aren’t you grateful for his example?
What is one of the gifts God has given you to serve others? Are you content with the extent that you are using that gift?
Are there some giftings and callings in the body of Christ that are more important than others?
How so?
Friday
May 2, 2025
Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
— 1 Corinthians 15:58 (NIV)
Here’s some encouragement for you: what you do for Jesus is not for nothing. Wearisome at times? I’m sure. A waste of your time? Never. Think about Jesus who poured into his disciples for three years. They still surprised him with their lack of faith. But they finally did get it (we have the Bible to prove it). And he keeps working in you as well. So don’t give up. One day you will see it — your labor in him was worth every ounce of you that you gave.
Do you think you see the full extent of your influence on others? Have you ever had a glance into an unexpected impact on someone because of you?
What is one of the hardest parts of serving others for you? What tries to discourage you or move you off course from your labor in the Lord?