Scripture
“Those who exalt themselves will be humbled and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

Observation
Jesus tells the crowd that they should obey the Pharisees and the teachers of the Law. They teach what is right and interpret the Scriptures.

He also tells them to not follow the example of these people for they don't practise what they preach. They love the respect of the people, and all of their behaviour is for the approval of people rather than of God.

God's people should not demand the respect of others through the use of titles. Rather leaders are to
be servants who walk humbly in the community.

Application
One of the biggest problems facing christian leaders is that of humility,

People want to honour their leaders, especially those who help them with wise counsel or godly teaching,

Leaders must always guard their hearts against pride Pride will trip a leader more quickly than any other sin,

The problem is that when people praise us we can so easily believe them. We can start to believe that we are better, wiser, more godly, more entitled than “ordinary people.”

Jesus pleads with His followers to keep a humble heart and to not allow the adulation of others to go to our heads.

Prayer
Father, today I seek your praise only. Please keep me safe from pride and the traps that it lays for me. Amen.