Don't Put Yourself First
When he noticed how the guests picked the places of honor at the table, he told them this parable: "When someone invites you to a wedding feast, do not take the place of honor, for a person more distinguished than you may have been invited. If so, the host who invited both of you will come and say to you, 'Give this man your seat.' Then, humiliated, you will have to take the least important place. But when you are invited, take the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he will say to you, 'Friend, move up to a better place.' Then you will be honored in the presence of all your fellow guests. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted." -- Luke 14:7-11
It's all about manners. That's what I tell myself anyway. Maybe it's just ingrained in us. The Deep South has an unwritten set of rules that govern behavior. Don't violate them. You might be excused if you're not from here but if you've grown up in the South, well, there is no excuse.
Most of them are just plain common sense. Don't show up at a potluck without something to share. Seriously. You'd be surprised at how many people do just that. It's not okay. The only exception is if you are the guest of honor and you have specifically been asked to not bring something.
Also, when someone dies you take food to the family. If that someone was a member of your church family, you are obligated. It doesn't matter if you personally knew them or not. And it doesn't matter if you liked them or not. Take food. Believe me about this. People will always think less of you if you don't take food.
Another rule involves potlucks at church. There is always a line. It's always a good idea to let the elderly go first. Don't be in such a hurry. And don't cut in line. People notice. And whatever you do, never, ever go back for seconds before everyone has gone through the line the first time. It's just bad form.
I witnessed this today and I just had to shake my head. Yes, I kept my mouth shut. No, I wasn't happy about that but it was the right thing to do at the time. The man knew better. The truth was, he didn't care. That wasn't lost on anybody. He got several glances and raised eyebrows. And, no doubt, there are those of us who think a little less of him because of it.
I couldn't help but recall this parable from Jesus. Don't put yourself before others. In all ways humble yourselves. People notice. Really, they do.
