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"But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first." Matthew 19:30

"So the last will be first, and the first will be last." Matthew 20:16

"Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave." Matthew 20:26-27

There is a strong theme of humility in these two chapters. If we're not careful, our quest for favor could override a humble disposition. God reminds us three times in two chapters that he seeks to promote those who put others before themselves.

We live in a me-first society that links self-worth to popularity and posessions. Our lives are documented in a sea of selfies, and our natural selfish tendencies feed on cravings of acknowledgement and affirmation. Sadly, the more we are consumed by ourselves and our situations, the less attune we are to others and their needs. 

Against the norm, we must generate a shift in our minds. Instead of thinking in terms of how others presumably perceive us, let's consider how people perceive God through us. Our identity is not something to be created, rather, it's something to be celebrated because it's Christ in us! 

Life is not picture-perfect. We experience seasons of events and an array of emotions. What matters to God is not our appearance, but our posture—one of humility and servanthood. What if we sought to befriend others more than we promote ourselves? It's when we are humble that God promises to lift us up.

How can you elevate someone around you today?