From the Pulpit...

Instead of being like the Pharisees in their self-seeking, praise motivated attitude, we are to be humble servants. Once again, the Lord teaches us that those who exalt themselves will be humbled (put down), and those who humble themselves will be exalted (lifted up). This common phraseology, by the way, is a general teaching. God may put down a self-exalting person in this life to bring them to faith or improve their walk of faith, or put them down eternally in judgment. A humble person of faith he will lift up, perhaps in this life or perhaps not, but definitely in the kingdom and eternity.