We Must Value Christ Above All

"Christ is not valued at all unless He is valued above all."  - Augustine

In light of the current turmoil, upheaval, and unrest which is so unmistakably clear in our world today, it is good for us to discuss Christ and the many things that make him so relevant and necessary now more than ever.

One of the most attractive qualities in the character and life of Christ is the early and unrestrained development of his social nature under less than ideal circumstances.

And though he may have been shunned by some, he never neglected anyone. As a matter of fact, His birth would have been considered lowly by some, and his early education not very extraordinary.

Indeed, to the great movers and shakers of the day this barely made an impact. Yet He who was greater and mightier than all voluntarily assumed that position, not for the purpose of dragging anybody down, but for raising all up instead.

Kings, princes, and priests; Sadducee, Pharisee, and Essene; all sects, orthodox and unorthodox, may have made great efforts to make their respective followers bow and mold themselves to their own doctrine.

But He, the lowly and loving man of the people, the Son of God, the Son of Man, everywhere and in every condition, would let His mighty heart swell under a distressed and abused race.

This in order that He Might lift them above oppression by bestowing to the soul a power and deliverance which discrimination and tyranny can never rip from its grasp.

Christ ventured from place to place where the great crowds struggled with poverty and mistreatment. Drudging through long periods of fruitless toil, he managed to enjoy a few flickers of home joy.

All this while their oppressors wasted their entire lives in unruly and unrestrained behavior. Therefore, it is easy to see how He constantly yearned to be their Redeemer, and make others redeemers, as well.

Having them spread ideas and emotions far and wide that were made to make men Divine; to undergo all hardships, danger, and pain, to love where He was hated; and to die that humanity might live in loyalty to the greatest affection and the highest truth.

Thus, generation after generation has been graced, liberated, and blessed with patriots, sages, martyrs, prophets, and apostles; with men gladly facing the dungeon, the sword, and fire rather than abandoning their loyalty and faithfulness to the interests of the majority.

One can only conclude that this is undoubtedly God manifest in the flesh. A Deity full of justice, wisdom, and benevolence who came down from heaven to earth, so that He might raise earth to heaven.

And it's this essence of being human, along with His divinity that the Savior provides His religion with its wonderful gentleness and compelling power that is so graciously provided for any who sincerely desire it.

Scripture: John 1:14; John 8:12; Colossians 2:9; Matthew 16:15-16; 1 Peter 3:18

Prayer: May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope, amen.   - Romans 15:13

May the Lord bless,

Shawna