Authentic Discipleship in Christ through Reflective Books

Chapter 10: The Way Down Is the Way Up

Pride climbs.
Humility kneels.

Pride grabs.
Humility releases.

Pride says, “Rise or be forgotten.”
Jesus says, “Humble yourself—and you will be lifted.”

The way up in God’s Kingdom
is always down.

A Kingdom of Opposites

Jesus didn’t just teach upside-down truths—
He lived them.

“The last will be first, and the first last.” — Matthew 20:16
“Whoever exalts himself will be humbled,
and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” — Matthew 23:12
“Blessed are the meek,
for they shall inherit the earth.” — Matthew 5:5

In this world, you rise by promoting yourself.
In His world, you rise by laying yourself down.

True Greatness Begins Low

When the disciples argued over who was the greatest,
Jesus didn’t scold them for the desire.
He redefined the path.

“Whoever wants to be first must be the servant of all.” — Mark 9:35

He didn’t say greatness was wrong.
He said it was different.

Not measured in attention, power, or titles—
but in service, sacrifice, and surrender.

He Humbled Himself—Then Was Lifted

Philippians 2 is the great descent:

“He made Himself nothing…
He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to death…
Therefore God highly exalted Him…” — Philippians 2:7–9

Jesus didn’t lift Himself.
God did.

He didn’t assert a throne.
He embraced a cross.

And then,
He was exalted above every name.

James Tells Us Straight

“Humble yourselves before the Lord,
and He will exalt you.” — James 4:10

That’s a promise.
Not advice.
Not a nice idea.

A truth.

Lower yourself before God—
and He will lift you
in the right way
at the right time.

What Humility Actually Looks Like

– Apologizing first.
– Serving when no one sees.
– Listening more than speaking.
– Letting someone else get the credit.
– Asking for help.
– Admitting weakness.
– Trusting God’s timing.
– Taking the low seat.

Jesus told a parable about this:

“Do not take the place of honor…
But take the lowest place.
For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled,
and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” — Luke 14:8–11

It’s not a trick.
It’s the truth.

Don’t Fake It to Get the Reward

This isn’t about pretending to be low
so God will raise you up.

That’s still pride—just religiously dressed.

True humility doesn’t seek elevation.
It seeks God.

If He lifts you, fine.
If He doesn’t, still fine.

Because you already have what matters most:
His presence. His approval. His peace.

What Does It Matter?

We live in a world
that says rise, rise, rise.

But God says bow, bow, bow.

Not because He wants to humiliate us—
but because the lowest place
is the most secure place
in the Kingdom of God.

You can’t fall
if you’re already on your knees.