Random thoughts (for the day after Christmas)
Closing out the year with a word study, a challenge, and some appreciation....
The word "condescend" has a decidedly negative connotation now, as it has come to mean "to show feelings of superiority; to be patronizing; to do something in a haughty way, as though it is below one's dignity or level of importance." This was not always the case. The original construction of the word was formed from three parts: Con-, which meant together; -de-, which meant down; and -scend, which meant to climb. To condescend was literally to climb down in order to be together with someone.
In the 1500's, the word was often used in reference to God, or a king or nobleman, who "made gracious allowance" for human frailty, showing a willingness to "yield deferentially", "to agree, consent, give in, or come down from one's rights or claims". By the 1600's, it meant to "voluntarily waive ceremony or dignity proper to one's superior position or rank and willingly assume equality with inferiors". It was seen in a positive light, a complimentary description for a humble leader who earned respect through compassionate fairness.
It is in this old usage that I express gratitude for our Immanuel, Creator condescending to live among His creation. I have no basis for condescension. As the saying goes, "The ground is level at the foot of the cross." But I pray I model the humility of my Master.
In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross! -Philippians 2:5-8
Shifting gears, I want to share something on my heart. There are a couple cases that have recently been before the Supreme Court regarding states' rights to regulate conditions under which a legal abortion may be performed. Scientific and medical advances continue to decrease the number of weeks a baby has to be in the womb to be considered viable. Moreover, there is no longer any argument to rationalize when a baby becomes a person. The moment conception takes place, that's a real live human baby - under construction, but a baby nonetheless. The dust is far from settled on appeals and challenges, but we may be on the cusp of what many of us have been praying for years: The end of the 50-year abomination of virtually unfettered infanticide in this country.
While we welcome these developments, they will inevitably raise challenges, and the church must be ready to step into the gap. Unplanned pregnancies will still be a part of life. We'll be called upon to embrace unwed mothers, mentor young fathers, offer marriage and couples counseling, parenting classes, life skills classes, child care, and provide lots and lots of formula and diapers. People who have faced what seemed like impossible situations and made decisions that now haunt them will need compassion, care, and the hope of redemption. We are literally undertaking to change a cultural mindset that has been willing to throw away human life for the sake of convenience. The spiritual, emotional, and financial investment will be enormous. Honestly, it's a bit overwhelming to think about, but not too big for Immanuel. I think we need to keep praying.
Finally, I want to say “Thank you” to the 80 or so of you who continue to read me every week. I'm grateful for the affirmation, and I'll continue to do my best to provide content that is encouraging and occasionally thought-provoking. Blessings, y’all!