Matthew 23:11-12
King James Version (KJV)
11 But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.
12 And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.
Those verses don’t make sense! Just like the picture at the right doesn’t make sense. It is wacky. Upside down. Skewed.
People love to be noticed! They want to be known as someone who is great, rich, funny, passionate, or a million and one other things. To be a servant?! Our selfish nature cringes at this. Who wants to serve, when it looks more glamorous to be out front? I want to be known as a great baker. But alas, I flop can flop a straight forward chocolate chip cookie recipe! I want to be known as a great teacher but where the chocolate coats the candy is at home in the daily grind. I would like to have a large readership on my blog but what will that matter if those 1,000 people don’t remember a thing I wrote? I would like to have people see me as having a well of wisdom but does the well exist if my husband and family are not touched by it?
We’ve got ads “Cuteness is Our Thing”(clothing, Zulily), “Empowering People” (computer, Acer), “The Power to Do Your Best” (computer, Apple), “When You’ve Got It, Flaunt It” (airlines, Braniff Airways), “Have It Your Way” (fast food, Burger King), “Image is Everything” (camera, Canon) and the list goes on. How many of these things fit in the verses above? How many can truly fulfill what they are promising? We live in a “ME” centered world. Entertain “ME” centered relationships. Spend “ME” centered money. And often, (sadly), attend “ME” centered worship services.
What if there was more to life? What if what we thought was important, really wasn’t? What if we were teaching, what doesn’t matter? According to Matthew 23, this is the case. To be great, one must humble themselves and serve. To be exalted, one needs humility. It is SO upside down! Don’t we admire those who are open about their needs? I do. Don’t we find honor easier when someone is humble? I do.
Today, what does it look like to live an upside down life? What does it mean to serve? 
Are you okay with laying self at the altar?
Will you look through your glasses like everyone else or will you choose to embrace the different? Christ’s glasses?
passing on the faith 