Riches to Rags

Who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God something to be grasped. Rather, he emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, coming in human likeness; and found human in appearance he humbled himself, becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross. Philippians 2:6-8

You are a millionaire and you have the following options:

1.    Keep your millions
2.    Put your millions into investment to raise your money
3.    Give away your millions to others

Your choice – give away your millions to others. This was the action of God when He sent Jesus, His Son, to die to for us. Jesus had it all, being God. Yet, He became man for our sake. He was a millionaire becoming a commoner. He was a CEO becoming a lowest rank and file employee. He was wearing a name tag “President”, suddenly that name tag read “Ordinary Citizen”. This story was riches to rags.  Jesus did this not for heroism sake. Jesus did this for His love for you and me. Jesus took out His clothing as king and put on the uniform of a slave. He was giving orders now He is taking orders. He was keeping the sun, the planets and the moon in orbit now He walks lowly.

Empty yourself, too. If you are the leader of your prayer group, become the servant of all. If you are the manager of the department, take the footsteps of your ordinary employee. If you have the authority, put on the name tag of the powerless.  If you think you are the wisest of all, listen to the uneducated.  If the world applauds you, make a standing ovation for others. If you are up there, step down.

The world preaches rags to riches. God points to the opposite direction – riches to rags.

P.S. As a family, we have our bible sharing each Saturday and the main thought of this reflection, the millionaire part, was shared by my daughter Praise.