There is an innate human desire to improve upon one’s situation. However the way we go about achieving this is very important. I found several references on the two common approaches: We can either increase our vertical position (high & lofty) or we can increase our frequency (ascension).
He that exalts himself shall be abased, and he that abases himself shall be exalted.
The difference here is who is doing the exalting. Does man exalt himself or does God exalt?
In the case of man, the only way to exalt himself is vertically. But when man exalts himself he will be abased, or brought low.
We will realize that we are no better than the dust of the earth, whether by conscious intention or the inevitability of death.
Ye cannot say that thou art even as much as the dust of the earth, yet thou wast created of the dust of the earth; but behold, it belongeth to him who created you
Man’s exaltation would be a change in position; or vertical height.
High & lofty as a vertical position is worldly success and esteem. Lofty is found associated with eyes and looks; how peers perceive someone.
…and the eyes of the lofty shall be humbled…
And it shall come to pass that the lofty looks of man shall be humbled…
Lofty means an imposing height, towering, self-important. The main substance is broad and high up.
However, what goes up, must come down. This is a law of entropy. Entropy is the inevitable decline into disorder.
For he brings down them that dwell on high, the lofty city he lays it low; he lays it low, even to the ground; he brings it even to the dust.
An enduring exaltation, which is what God provides to those who are willing, is ascending into a higher frequency. This requires additional energy.
Put in terms of physical matter, there are three states: solid, liquid, and gas. Chemically, they are identical. The only difference is the amount of energy, or heat, associated with each one. Water can be either steam, clouds, iceberg or ocean.
We observe condensation, water forming on the outside of a cold glass. We observe formation of steam with a pot of water on the stove. It is only a change in temperature.
We can translate this concept to spiritual ascension by understanding that additional energy for the soul is first additional knowledge and then wisdom.
Knowledge is obtained after learning a truth to believe in. Wisdom is understanding this information after practicing the concept. This practice is what God refers to as faith, or action upon the belief.
Belief without action is fundamentally useless. We may have correct belief or unbelief, but without testing it through action (faith) we may never know.
Humility is often mischaracterized with an implication that it is synonymous with humiliation.
Humility is being teachable.
“Little children not only don’t know a lot of things, they know that they don’t know and they ask persistently, incessantly, because they desire to know what they don’t know. They’re like sponges and we’re like rocks. You can throw a rock into the water and pull it out again and it’s still a rock. But you throw a sponge in and you pull it out and it is greatly increased. Children are like the sponge, they’re porous, and we are not. ”
Voluntary submission to the control or power of God or, in other words, obedience. Children are by nature more humble than adults. They not only do not have a good working knowledge of practical skills, they are keenly aware of their own ignorance.
As a result, children are inquisitive and eager to be taught. They not only don’t know, they know they don’t know and want to be given the chance to learn. They “seek” and “ask” and “knock.” Children do, by nature, just as Christ bids all to do. One is not teachable without humility. Humility and the capacity to accept new truth are directly related.
Humbling oneself is not just an expression to wear on one’s countenance. Rather, it is opening one’s heart up to higher things. “Can you accept truth if it is taught to you? Even if it contradicts your traditions? Even if it alienates you from family, friends, comfortable social associations, your neighbors (Matthew 9:24)?” See also MEEKNESS.
Conclusion
Ascension, or raising one’s frequency, can be achieved by being humble (teachable), diligently seeking knowledge, and obtaining wisdom. Steam rises naturally. Conversely moving an object into a vertically higher position without a phase change will inevitably result in being brought back down low.
Vertical Position
Exalt himself
High
Lofty
Fall(en)
Raise Frequency
Abase oneself
Humble
Ascend
Exalted (of Him)
