GOD EXALTS AND HUMBLES
God exalts those who humbly submit to him; but opposes those who exalt themselves (James 4:6). When we as individuals or a nation humble ourselves before God, he will exalt us in due time (1 Peter 5:6).
GOD EXALTS THOSE WHO ARE HUMBLE BEFORE HIM
God saw David as “a man after His own heart” God favored him. The Lord elevated David from being a humble shepherd boy to being a king of God’s people. (1 Samuel 13:14; 2 Samuel 5:1-2).
Solomon, whom God allow to inherited the throne of his father David’s, humbly prayed to the Lord for wisdom to lead God’s people. God gave him more wisdom than any other person that lived. And because he humbly knelt to God, the Lord also gave him more riches than any other person of his time. (1 Kings 3:1-13).
GOD OPPOSES THOSE WHO EXALT THEMSELVES
Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, exalted himself while failing to reverence God. The Lord removed him as king and humbled him by causing him to eat grass like a beast of the field (Daniel 4:28-33).
Belshazzar, grandson of Nebuchadnezzar, failed to learn the lesson that God taught his grandfather. Belshazzar tried to impress his party guests with his glitz and power, by allowing them to use holy vessels of the Lord captured from the kingdom of Israel. God sent a Persian army to dethrone and kill his (Daniel 5).
GOD SAYS TO HIS PEOPLE IN AMERICA AND EVERY LAND:
If my people, who are called my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, and will heal their land (2 Chronicles 7:14).
PROPER RECOGNITION OF AUTHORITIES
The Bible says all positions of power and authority are allowed by God, and are due proper respect. Nevertheless we should not over esteem those in positions of power. God instructs us to pray for those with power and authority that we may live peaceful and godly lives. (Romans 13:1-6). God may use powers for our benefit and protection. But we are aware that there are corrupt powers, and we should never violate the will of God to obey or please anyone (Acts 5:29).
GOD EXALTS US WHO SUBMIT TO HIM
While we should not over esteem those in power; nor should we idolize those who are famous and highly recognized. And we ourselves ought not to seek to be idolized. Jesus said we are not to seek honor from one another, but seek the honor that comes from God only (John 5:44). Wanting to be exalted is a threating part of human nature inherited from Adam and Eve, who desired to be like God (Genesis 3). There are countless ways—including allowing ourselves to be deceived—that we may seek to be exalted and idolized. However, God commands us to have no idols or gods; but to worship him only (Exodus 20:3; Luke 4:8).
God gives us various gifts and measures of power and recognition, but we should be guided by His Word and Spirit in recognizing God as “the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords” (1Timothy 6:16). And we should recognize that greater is the Spirit and Power in us who submit to the Lord, than the spirit and power in those of the world who seek self-exaltation (1 John 4:4). Although given our human nature it may be challenging to remain humble, we need not anxiously seek power or recognition by trying to exalt ourselves. When we pray and seek the help of the Holy Spirit to patiently humble ourselves and exalt the Lord, in due time God will exalt us (1 Peter 5:6; Matthew 6:33).
