Jesus does it all backwards, doesn't He? In the natural order of things people seek appreciation, honor, respect. We want thank yous and well dones, and atta boys. Recognition is important and acknowledgment means everything.

Then Jesus comes along and throws everything into disarray, challenging just about every system that has ever been important to people. He turns self-exaltation on its ear and exalts humility over pride. He calls us to take our place at the back of the line and to find fellowship with "the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind" (Luke 14:13).

Somebody once said that all the ground is level at the foot of the cross. It's true. In a way that boggles the imagination God receives us all. There are no haves or have-nots in the kingdom of God, just folks who needed and received the grace of God. No pushing and shoving allowed. Not one-up-man-ship accepted. Better-than-thou thinking has no place, and everybody is somebody because Jesus is Lord.

The community of Jesus should be that one place where true equality is practiced and where persons as persons are received and treated with the dignity that being created in the image of God demands. In this community we must not push and shove on each other as we make our way to the top. Instead, we ought to be navigating our way to the back of the line, knowing that there we will meet Jesus.

It is not in the place of honor we find Christ. It is in the place of service, the place where Jesus puts us, that we are able most meaningfully to fellowship with the One who died that we may live. If they want us up front, they will call us. And, don't wait around the phone waiting for the call. Just, show up for Jesus today, and let your light shine. He will take care of everything else.