The society in which we live suggests in countless ways that the way to go is up. Making it to the top, entering the limelight, breaking the record – that’s what draws attention, gets us on the front page of the newspaper, and offers us the rewards of money and fame.
The way of Jesus is radically different. It is the way not of upward mobility but of downward mobility. It is going to the bottom, staying behind the sets, and choosing the last place! Why is the way of Jesus worth choosing? Because it is the way to the Kingdom, the way Jesus took, and the way that brings everlasting life.
6 comments
Comments feed for this article
June 28, 2007 at 5:50 pm
writeathome
It’s a way that is contrary to our human nature, but it is the best way. Hope you’re doing well Helen.
June 28, 2007 at 9:34 pm
Shirley
Hello, Helen, and thanks for this reminder of a great truth. Carol has already noted that this principle goes against our humanity. Fight, we must! Fight the good fight of faith…struggle against our vile and arrogant natures.
shirley Buxton
http://www.shirleybuxton.wordpress.com
June 29, 2007 at 8:08 am
bereans
Hello, Helen!
I am trying to get more involved in Common Sense Christian, and take over for Jack. We have two others that will be working on it also. We have been involved on a limited basis before, but more in a technical sense.
We will miss Jack.
I was clicking on past devotionals and reading the comments and noticed how much you have contributed to CSC. We are excited by what Jack started and looking forward to creating the new site. We are a bunch of amateurs, but we know what Christ has put in our hearts.
I certainly hope that friends like you will be able to help us continue to develop and learn.
His kid,
Paul
P.S. This Henri Nouwen seems to know what he’s talking about.
June 29, 2007 at 8:38 am
helenl
Hi Carol and Shirley, Choosing this way is, indeed, a struggle but not without immense reward.
Hi Paul, Glad you dropped by. I’ll be over to CSC often. I do miss Jack. I learned so much from him.
June 30, 2007 at 8:45 am
Tomas
Wow, that’s great. Even hearing the truth makes me feel happy – easy, fine – sorry for I don’t know how should I say that appropriately in English, but that doesn’t matter a bit – the essence is, are we with Jesus in full, or do we muse on what we like there and why do we like that or not.
I couldn’t understand just one word there. Where is a struggle there?
Yes, if we use such word as upward and downward mobility, as the breaking through, it may look as something hard to do, but in case we are with Jesus indeed, everything becomes otherwise. Could we imagine something more precious that the lovely chatter with the Holly Spirit? Being in front of seats look the most painful punishment and something totally needless. In case the Spirit will put us in front of seats among our brothers then it would be quite opposite being in front. Wow.
Sorry, I felt myself a bit tired to talk- being with Jesus is the greatest joy to listen to the heavenly colors.
Thank you dear Helen, for your wonderful blog, for the place we can exchange our thank you for to enjoy being in a gratitude.
June 30, 2007 at 9:04 am
helenl
Hi Tomas. I think you mean “the Truth will set you free,” and free is good. I am so glad you’ve decided to enjoy your imperfect life (like the rest of us). I missed you coming around. I do hope you post some more of your lovely pictures for us to enjoy and comment on.