The adage that the exalted will be humbled and vice versa is not a tidbit of proverbial wisdom such as, “Pride cometh before a fall.” Rather it suggests that those who exalt themselves over others have no place in the kingdom. Self-glorifying status hunters have no need for God and no place in His kingdom. Those who confess their sinful ladder climbing and go about serving others in quiet meekness are exalted in the Upside-Down Kingdom. Ego trips end at the kingdom’s door. Kingdom people look down instead of up. They willingly move downward.
Donald Kraybill
The Upside-Down Kingdom