When I was a freshman at Virginia Tech many years ago, I had the privilege of meeting another student that would become a lifelong friend. Not only did Marlon and I share the same birthday, we also shared the same Savior and a love for agriculture and the outdoors.
A few years after graduation, Marlon moved to Louisiana and established his own landscaping business which continues to thrive. He married a beautiful southern lady and they started their family with one handsome son. Not long after he was born, Marlon’s wife developed cancer and began a long courageous fight from which she later graduated to heaven.
In an attempt to assist Marlon in his business and to be a physical presence during a difficult time, I flew south for a week one August to help out. Other than the oppressive heat, it was a great chance to reconnect with my friend and spend some time getting in his way.
A special unplanned blessing happened, however, on my journey there. When I arrived at Dulles early that morning, I found my cousin, Darren, working behind the airline counter. What a pleasant surprise! Because his father and my mother were siblings, we were close growing up. Having not seen each other in years, it was great to catch up since there was no one else waiting in line. After reminiscing, he eventually checked my bag, processed my ticket and blessed me on my way.
Boy did he bless me! I didn’t look at my boarding pass until I was sitting at my gate and discovered that he had bumped me up to first class! It was and still is the only time I got to enjoy the privileges of something other than coach and it didn’t cost me a dime! As the old saying goes, “It pays to have connections.” In this case, it was a huge benefit to be related to the one assigning seats. I’ve never forgotten this first class privilege and I hope I can return the favor in some way.
That incident reminded me of one of Jesus’ teachings in Luke 14. In that passage, Jesus advises His followers not to take the best seats when invited to a banquet. His logic was to spare the embarrassment of getting booted out if someone more important arrives. Instead, His advice was to sit in the cheap seats and then let the host upgrade you if he or she so chooses.
The world’s way is to clamor for the best of everything. The best seats, the best jobs, the best pay, the best houses, the best cars, etc. Jesus however, said, “Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Luke 14:11)
Sometimes the exaltation might not happen immediately or obviously, but in time, and perhaps even in eternity, we realize the wisdom of obeying this teaching of Jesus along with all the others. Our Heavenly Father sees our hearts and offers free upgrades regularly for those willing to forego temporary earthly honors.
Just like the airport, it helps to know the One not only in charge of seating, but of everything. We have the honor and the privilege of not just knowing this Individual, but being His son or daughter. Imagine the blessings and benefits that connection can provide!
In his book, A Love Worth Giving, Max Lucado observed, God’s upgrade moves us from sinner to saint, from hell-bent to heaven bound, from confused to clarified, and from guilty to justified. God could have bumped us out, but instead He bumped us up! That’s one amazing upgrade we’d be foolish not to accept!
If you’ve never established a relationship with Jesus, it’s not too late. Invite Him into your heart and life. And if you have, obey His teachings of humility and service that He might upgrade you as only He can.
Blessings, George