Hierarchy

One Sunday afternoon Sister Penovich decided to wash all of our feet. I watched as each 9 year old in front of me took their turn to have their stinky feet sponged. When it came time for me I said I didn't want to take my socks off so she washed my socks too. While she did so I wondered why she took the time to do this. I knew it was part of some object lesson, but please, she's the teacher. Shouldn't she be doing something more important with her time? I didn't realize then that she taught by example what Jesus told his disciples long ago. "And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant".

 

In high school sports we would always worry who the best player was. We would even watch film on our opponents to see who the best was so we would know his weaknesses and exploit them. Many good memories were had watching film. "Did you see that swat?" "Watch out for him, he's first team all league". "He can't dribble with his left". After the video session we would know who the greatest was and how to guard against him. 

 

In the meridian of time Christ's disciples asked Him a very similar question. "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" He responds by saying the greatest is like a child. And in a way we are all children finding our way through life. 

 

I think about Jacob's Ladder. He lays on a pile of rocks and dreams a wonderful vision. He sees heaven with a giant ladder reaching up to it from the ground. On the steps angels are going up and down. Some are close to God and some are far away. Each individual with a unique story and destination. It doesn't necessarily matter where we are on this Ladder of Life, it only matters that you are moving up and progressing. 

 

It seems that Jesus Himself walked each wrung of the ladder. He went from grace to grace until he received a fullness (D&C 93:12-13). One of the only scriptures that describes his teenage and pre-ministry adult life describes Him as increasing in wisdom and stature (Luke 2:52). He learned line upon line and precept upon precept.

 

After He spent a lifetime learning and growing and after His glorious transfiguration He tells us the secret to taking each step up the ladder. "And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted"(Matthew 23:12). It is interesting to think that exalt means to rise in rank and abase means to make lower in rank. Doesn't this seem a little counterintuitive to you? But it is truth. It is wisdom. 

 

I would like to close with a seemingly unrelated quote. Before you read please have the radio playing either I Believe I Can Fly or Space Jam.

 

"Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence wins championships"--Michael Jordan.

 

I love you