The way down is the way up! We are all trying to get higher one way or another. I love the story of the turtle who wanted to go on vacation. Two of his friends who were geese said, “We wish we could take you with us.” The turtle had a plan: I’ll hold on to a rope in my mouth, and you two will grab the ends with your mouths and I can go with you. Great plan. So good that somebody below saw them flying and said, “What an ingenious idea. Who thought of that?” Bursting with pride the turtle opened his mouth and answered, “I diiiiiiiiiiiiid.”
Jesus is first our Savior. He is also our example in relationships. Imagine you or I becoming a turtle, with all the limitations of turtles. God’s demotion was far greater when he became a human being. The Creator entered the creation in the form of a creature. If that were not enough, Jesus humbled himself by becoming a servant and washing the feet of his disciples. We die unwillingly, but Jesus died willingly, the ignominious death of a criminal on a cross. For this very reason God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name.
God wants us to think that way! If we have the same mindset as Christ in our relationships, then we will not be forever claiming our rights. Jesus said, “I did not come to be served but to serve and give my life as a ransom for many.” We are here to serve. Most people want to serve God in an advisory capacity. How about us? Disciples learn about Jesus until we become like him, as servants.
