IT is frequently suggested to us in human experience that certain acts on our part will raise or lower our social or business status or that we shall present a better image if we conform to various customs. But what of our status and image as expressions of God, divine Principle?
Christ Jesus, always aware of his true worth, denounced the false status-seeking of the scribes and Pharisees by warning his disciples against following their vain ways. He described these men as endeavoring to impress the popular thought instead of doing their works to the glorification of God; as reveling in the pride of pomp and power and seeking the seats of honor in the synagogue where their position might be acknowledged by others. He stated that they sought praise and adulation of men through public instead of private prayer and further publicized their own importance by the use of various symbolic articles of clothing and imposing titles.
Our Master outlined the correct and natural method not only of living with but of loving one another when he said (Matt. 23:11, 12): "He that is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted."
