Humility

Traditionally, cathedrals have been built in the shape of a cross. The National Cathedral follows this tradition. Traditionally, cathedrals have a raised pulpits at the head of the cross. The National Cathedral follows this tradition. And traditionally, only ordained ministers are allowed to speak from the pulpit.
On a tour of the National Cathedral, the tour guide told the story of a president who knowing this tradition, chose to speak from a lesser podium. The story stuck with me. Maybe I would have figured that so many other people had already dishonored the pulpit...why shouldn’t I? I am the president and I certainly could do better than them.
But the point wasn’t what “everyone else” had done or failed to do. The point was that president had the option to honor himself or to honor God – and chose God.
Day in and day out we have similar situations. Honor our parents. Respect marriage. Speak the truth. Treat God’s grace like a gift not a right. We too can choose to lift God high or bolster ourselves. But as Christ said: “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” – Luke 14:11