The print that hangs in a corner of our dining room reads: “When you have more than you need, build a bigger table, not a higher fence.” My family tries to live by this wisdom, and it provides me a much-needed daily reminder of God’s provision, God’s nature to care for and feed God’s people.

In Luke 14, Jesus attends a meal at the home of a Pharisee. After observing how the guests choose their seats, Jesus tells a parable about a meal. Jesus recommends guests take the lowest seat because they do not know their level of distinction compared to the other guests. Then, when the guest of honor comes, the host will invite the guest in the lowest seat to move up higher rather than having to ask the guest to give up the seat. Jesus recommends this practice as an act of humility that will lead to honor.

Perhaps like the Pharisees who listened to Jesus’ story, we need the reminder to choose humility. We can practice such humility by recognizing that God gives us enough. The Great Feeder provides us with every ounce of sustenance, both metaphorically and physically. Out of this overabundance of grace, we can build a bigger table, invite more people to it, and give away our seat of honor to take the seat of a servant. After all, we are no better than the person to our right or left. In building bigger tables instead of higher fences, we acknowledge that God alone is enough. And maybe, when that happens, we will begin to recognize anew that we have enough to share abundantly and that all are worthy in the eyes of God.