The Upside-Down Kingdom: Living by the Values of Jesus

When I was younger, I remember hearing a story about how hunters used to catch monkeys in parts of Asia and Africa. It’s really kind of simple. They take a hollow gourd, tie it to a tree, and cut a small hole in the side. The hole is just big enough for a monkey’s open hand to fit through. Then they drop a piece of fruit or something shiny inside. The curious monkey reaches in, grabs the treat, and suddenly finds its clenched fist is too big to pull back out. All it would have to do to escape is let go of what it is holding. But it doesn’t. It stubbornly holds on to what it wants, and that keeps it trapped until the hunter arrives.

We can smile at the foolishness of that little monkey—but we shouldn’t laugh too hard. Spiritually speaking, we do the same thing. We hold on to comfort, control, pride, and possessions that keep us from real freedom. Jesus calls us to let go, but that’s easier said than done – especially when what He teaches runs so opposite to what we’ve always been told.

Jesus’ teachings have always been a bit upside down—at least compared to the world’s logic. He didn’t come to reinforce popular thought; He came to replace it. And what He offered was nothing short of a complete reordering of values. Power, status, comfort, and self-preservation were out. Humility, sacrifice, service, and faith were in.

Let’s look at three moments in Jesus’ teaching that show how completely He turned our expectations inside out.

1. The Greatest Is the Servant - Mark 10:42-45

When Jesus’ disciples argued about who among them was the greatest, He didn’t scold or berate them for wanting to be great—He simply redefined what greatness looks like. He said, “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all.” Then He pointed to Himself:  “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

That’s not how greatness works in the world. In business, in politics, or even in our social lives, greatness usually means getting noticed, getting ahead, or getting our way. But Jesus flips that kind of thinking upside down. In His Kingdom, greatness isn’t measured by how many people serve you—it’s measured by how many people you serve.

In short, greatness wears an apron, not a crown.

2. Losing Life to Find It - Luke 9:23-24

Then there’s another paradox of Jesus that sounds backwards to our ears: “Whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for my sake will save it.”

It’s not that Jesus wants us to live recklessly; He’s showing us that the more we try to hold on to control, the more we actually lose the very thing we’re trying to preserve. The monkey in the gourd had a clear goal—keep the prize. But what it held on to became the reason it couldn’t escape.

We often fall into the same trap. We hold on to our plans, our possessions, or our pride, thinking they’ll keep us safe. But in the end—they just keep us stuck. Jesus invites us to release our grip—to trust that real life begins when we let go of the illusion of control and hand our lives over to Him.

It’s a strange kind of math:  subtraction becomes addition, loss becomes gain, and surrender becomes freedom. 

That’s the logic of the Kingdom.

3. Blessed Are the Least - Matthew 5:1–12

And then, just when we think we’ve figured Him out, Jesus steps up on a hillside and says, “Blessed are the poor in spirit… blessed are those who mourn… blessed are the meek… blessed are those who are persecuted.”

Now, that’s not how we have used the word “blessed.” The world says, “Blessed are the rich, the confident, the successful, the comfortable.” But Jesus looks at the humble, the grieving, and the overlooked and says, “You’re the ones who are truly blessed, because the Kingdom belongs to you.”

He wasn’t offering a list of religious virtues to add to our list of things to work on; instead, He was painting a picture of a new kind of life—a life rooted not in achievement, but in dependence on God. In reality, the Beatitudes are less about climbing ladders and more about stepping down into the kind of humility that makes room for grace.

So, in Jesus’ world, the least become the most loved, and those who seem to have nothing discover they already have everything.

Turning Life Right Side Up

From beginning to end, Jesus’ Kingdom seems upside down to us—until we realize it’s actually right side up and we’re the ones who have been living upside down all along.

The world tells us to take—Jesus says to give. The world tells us to lead—Jesus says to serve. The world says hold on tight—Jesus says let go. The world says self-preservation—Jesus says self-sacrifice.

And maybe that’s why following Jesus feels hard to us sometimes—it’s not just about changing our behavior, it’s about changing our complete direction. It means loosening our grip on the things that trap us and trusting that God’s way, as backward as it seems at the moment, is the only way that truly leads us forward.

So the next time you feel stuck, like you can’t quite move forward in faith, stop and ask:  “What am I still holding onto?” It might just be your gourd moment—the thing Jesus is waiting for you to let go of so you can finally be free.

After all, the monkey never had to be trapped. He just had to open his hand.

Jesus as Lord and Savior: Faith, Struggle, and True Success

As Christians, when we say that Jesus is our Lord and Savior, we are really acknowledging two sides of an incredible relationship. As our Savior, Jesus rescues us from sin and offers us eternal life through His death and resurrection (John 3:16; Romans 5:8). As our Lord, He calls us to live under His authority, surrendering our lives to His guidance and leadership (Luke 6:46; Philippians 2:9–11). Both are essential. Receiving Him as Savior gives us hope for eternity, but recognizing Him as Lord changes how we live every day.

Think of the lifeguard at the beach. If you are drowning and the lifeguard pulls you out of the water—that’s salvation. But if the same lifeguard then tells you, “Don’t go back into that dangerous current,” following his instructions is an act of obedience to his lordship. Jesus doesn’t just save us from death; He leads us into a new way of living.

Struggles in Faith

Faith is not always easy. Some of us think of it as more of a “ticket to heaven” than a daily walk with Christ. When we see Jesus only as Savior, our faith can turn passive—we’re grateful for His forgiveness but we resist any real change in our lives. James warns us not to deceive ourselves by merely hearing the word without doing something with it (James 1:22).

Others of us wrestle with trust. God’s timing often doesn’t match ours, and we often get impatient. We are tempted to cut corners or compromise our values. Abraham and Sarah’s attempt to “help” God fulfill His promise by having a child through Hagar (Genesis 16) shows how rushing ahead of God can bring us a lot of heartache.

And then there is the challenge of distraction. Pursuing more money, a better career, and more recognition can subtly replace our devotion to God. Jesus warned, “What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul?” (Mark 8:36). If we fix our eyes only on worldly success, our faith may quietly slide into the background. Then, over time, without prayer, Scripture, or Christian community, we may drift into spiritual stagnation—still professing faith but experiencing very little transformation.

Finding True Success Through Faith

But in reality, countless people do find a way to hold faith and success at the same time. The difference lies in their seeing Jesus not only as their Savior but also as their Lord. That subtle, but significant shift brings a new perspective:  their success isn’t just measured in promotions, possessions, or popularity—they measure it in faithfulness.

People who thrive spiritually and even professionally often share certain habits:

• Obedience – They apply biblical principles such as honesty, humility, and diligence. Daniel, for instance, refused to defile himself with the king’s food (Daniel 1:8). His obedience not only honored God but also set him apart because of his wisdom and trustworthiness.

• Trust in God’s Timing – Joseph’s life is a powerful example. Though he spent years in slavery and prison, he remained faithful, and in God’s perfect timing Joseph rose to second-in-command in all of Egypt (Genesis 41).
  
  

• Faith and Work Together – Nehemiah prayed earnestly for Jerusalem, but he also rolled up his sleeves and rebuilt the walls (Nehemiah 4:6). His success came through both his faith and his action.
  
  

• Service to Others – True success is really not just personal gain but it comes from lifting others up. Jesus said, “The greatest among you will be your servant” (Matthew 23:11). Think of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25–37). His success was not defined by his status but by his compassion.
  
  

• Resilience in Trials – Paul faced many beatings, shipwrecks, and imprisonment, yet he wrote, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). His strength was not in circumstances but in Christ.

Bringing It All Together

In the end, Jesus as Savior gives us peace with God; Jesus as Lord gives us purpose in life. When we hold both together, our faith becomes active, growing, and life-shaping. Worldly success may come and go, but the one who follows Jesus as both Lord and Savior finds something much deeper and better—joy, meaning, and eternal hope.

It’s a bit like building a house. If Jesus is only our Savior, we may have the foundation—but if He is also our Lord, then the house is built, furnished, and we can live in it. We don’t just escape destruction; we experience abundant life (John 10:10).

So, the real question is not only, “Do I believe Jesus saved me?” but also, “Am I willing to let Him lead me?” When we are able to do both, we discover that the truest success is not found in what we build for ourselves but in who we become in Him.

When Obedience Is Hard - And Why It's Worthy It

Let’s be honest:  obedience is not always easy. Most of us, if we’re being real, can recall moments when we knew exactly what God wanted from us — and yet, something in us pushed back. Maybe we were tired. Maybe it was inconvenient. Maybe we were afraid of what others would think. Or maybe, we just didn’t want to do it.

If that’s ever been you, take a deep breath — you’re not alone. In fact, you’re in good company. Jesus Himself walked that same road. Hebrews 5:7–8 gives us a stunning glimpse into the heart of Jesus:  “...who, in the days of His flesh, when He had offered up prayers and supplications, with vehement cries and tears... was heard because of His godly fear, though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered.”

Just stop and think about that . . .  Jesus — the Son of God — learned obedience through suffering. Not because He was sinful, but because He was fully human. He understands the difficulty of obeying when it costs you something. That’s not just theological truth — that’s deeply comforting.

So what do we do when obedience feels hard? When it’s inconvenient, confusing, or even painful?

Let’s take a look at some of those moments — and discover why obedience, though difficult, is always worth it.

1. Obedience Is Hard When I’m Not “In the Mood”

There are days when we simply don’t feel like doing what’s right. Our emotions scream louder than our convictions. But God’s Word reminds us that faithfulness isn’t about feelings — it’s about devotion.

Paul told Timothy to be ready “in season and out of season” (2 Timothy 4:2). That means when it’s easy and when it’s hard, when we feel inspired and when we feel empty.

Love for God means showing up, even when we’re weary. As Mark 12:30 says: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.” Real love doesn’t wait for perfect conditions. It moves. It acts. It obeys. And often — maybe you’ve felt this too — when we choose to obey first, our emotions catch up. There’s peace on the other side of obedience.

2. Obedience Is Hard When It’s Not Convenient

With our world built on speed, comfort, and ease, obedience can feel like an interruption.

Felix, in Acts 24:25, listened to Paul talk about righteousness and judgment — but said, “Come back at a more convenient time.” That “better time” never came.

Convenience is a seductive idol. It whispers, “Later… when life slows down.” But Jesus said, “Seek first the kingdom of God” (Matthew 6:33). That doesn’t mean squeezing God into our leftovers — it means reordering our priorities entirely. Sometimes obedience disrupts your day. It pulls you off schedule. But that’s okay — the most important spiritual moments in our lives rarely come with a warning or fit neatly into a calendar slot.

3. Obedience Is Hard When I Don’t Understand

We like to know why. We want clarity, explanation, and logic before we take the next step. But faith isn’t built on full understanding — it’s built on trust.

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. (Isaiah 55:8)

Noah didn’t understand why he needed to build a boat in the middle of dry land. Abraham didn’t know where he was going when God told him to leave everything behind. And Jesus — in Gethsemane — cried out for another way. But still He said, “Not My will, but Yours be done.” (Matthew 26:39)

Obedience, especially when we don’t understand, is one of the deepest expressions of faith.

4. Obedience Is Hard When I’d Rather Do Something Else

Let’s be honest:  sometimes our desires just don’t align with God’s will. Our preferences get in the way. Proverbs 14:12 warns us:  “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.”

Naaman almost missed his healing because he didn’t like how God instructed him to be cleansed (2 Kings 5). His pride got in the way. And that’s often our struggle too — we want to obey, our way. But Jesus didn’t go to the cross because it was His preference. He went because it was obedience. He trusted that His Father’s way was best.

5. Obedience Is Hard When I Might Look Foolish

Sometimes we shrink back from obedience because we’re afraid of what people will think. What if they mock us? What if we lose respect? What if we seem weird or extreme? Even some of the Jewish leaders believed in Jesus, but wouldn’t confess Him. Why? “...because they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.” (John 12:43)

That’s a powerful warning. When we let the fear of people outweigh our fear of God, we miss the chance to live courageously. 

Yes, standing for truth in a world of compromise might be awkward — even embarrassing. But it’s also beautiful. And Jesus said, “Whoever is ashamed of Me... of him the Son of Man also will be ashamed.” (Mark 8:38)

That’s not a threat — it’s a wake-up call to courage. Because true obedience isn’t ashamed to follow Christ, even when it’s unpopular.

So… What Do We Do When Obedience Is Hard?

We remember what’s at stake. We remember Who we’re following. Obedience might stretch us, cost us, and challenge us. But it also changes us. It shapes our hearts, grows our faith, and draws us closer to Christ.

Paul described the Christian life as a race — one that requires discipline, effort, and endurance (1 Corinthians 9:24–27). He didn’t run aimlessly. He trained with purpose — because he knew the prize was worth it.

And Jesus? He showed us the ultimate picture of obedience. “…who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross…” (Hebrews 12:2). He endured — and He was exalted.

Obedience is rarely easy. But it always leads to joy, as Proverbs 13:15 says, “The way of the unfaithful is hard.”

Jesus invites us into something better: “Come to Me… and I will give you rest… For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28–30)

Obedience may be hard in the moment. But it leads to peace, purpose, and life.

So when it’s hard… obey anyway. – When you’re tired… obey anyway. – When it doesn’t make sense… obey anyway.

Because God is faithful. And He never asks you to walk where He hasn’t already gone.

Obedience may be costly — but it is always, always worth it.

The Consumer Mindset in Church

We live in a consumer-driven culture. Whether you’re shopping for shoes, a phone, or even deciding where to eat, we are constantly presented with choices designed to cater to our preferences. 

A recent example from my own life:  I spent an entire week researching the perfect deck box. I visited Walmart, Fresno Ag, Home Depot, and scoured Amazon—comparing sizes, materials, reviews—wanting to make the right choice. It made sense; I was the customer. I had a need, and I was determined to find the product that fit my criteria.

This kind of decision-making defines much of how we live. Our culture says:  “Find what suits you best. Customize it. Choose what makes you happiest.” And that works fine—until we bring that consumer mindset into the church.

More and more people today approach church like they would a restaurant, gym, or streaming service:  “Does it meet my needs? Do I like the worship style? Is it convenient for my schedule?” If expectations aren’t met, they move on. But is this how God intended us to relate to the church?

God’s Design:  The Church is a Community, Not a Commodity

The Bible gives us a very different picture of what the church is supposed to be. It’s not a product to consume—it’s a people to belong to. When we treat the church like a product, we miss the deep, relational, God-designed reality of what it is meant to be. The Bible offers several beautiful metaphors:

The Church is a Family

In Galatians 6:10 and Ephesians 2:19, Paul reminds us that we are members of God's household. Like any family, being part of the church involves commitment, loyalty, and love—not preference or convenience. You don’t leave a family dinner just because you don’t like what’s being served. Families stick together, support each other, and sacrifice for one another. We are not just attendees—we are adopted sons and daughters of God, part of a spiritual family.

The Church is a Body

In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul describes the church as a body with many parts. Each believer plays a unique and essential role. When we disengage because something isn’t our preference, we hurt the whole body. The eye can’t say to the hand, “I don’t need you.” Every part matters, even those behind the scenes. Church isn’t about passively watching—it’s about actively participating. Consumerism says, “I’ll attend if it benefits me.” The Bible says, “You belong—and the whole body suffers without you.”

The Church is a Temple

According to Ephesians 2:20-22 and 1 Peter 2:4-5, the church is a spiritual temple where God dwells. Each of us is a “living stone” being built into something sacred. The church is not just about individual experience—it’s about what we are building together in Christ. It’s not a performance for our enjoyment—it’s a house of worship for God’s glory.

The Dangers of Consumer Christianity

When we allow the consumer mindset to shape how we engage with the church, real damage can be done—to our own spiritual growth, to the community of believers, and to our witness to the world.

Self-Centered Focus

2 Timothy 4:3-4 warns about people seeking out teachers who will say what their “itching ears want to hear.” Instead of being shaped by truth, consumer Christians seek comfort and affirmation. But true worship isn’t about entertainment—it’s about transformation.

Shallow Commitment

Hebrews 10:24-25 encourages us to meet together, spur one another on, and grow in love and good deeds. Consumer Christianity resists this. It promotes church-hopping and disengagement when things get tough. Real growth, however, happens in committed relationships over time.

Choosing a Church Biblically

Instead of choosing a church based on comfort and style, Scripture challenges us to ask:

• Is God’s Word faithfully preached? (2 Timothy 4:2)
• Is Christ the center of worship? (John 4:23-24)
• Is there authentic community and discipleship? (Acts 2:42-47)
• Are there opportunities to serve and grow? (1 Peter 4:10)
• Is the church living out God’s mission? (Matthew 28:19-20)

These are the criteria that should guide our involvement—not whether the coffee is good or the music matches our playlist.

Moving from Consumer to Contributor

So how do we make the shift?

• Examine your mindset (2 Corinthians 13:5) — Are you expecting to be served, or are you ready to serve?
• Discover and use your spiritual gifts (1 Peter 4:10) — God has equipped you for a role in His church.
• Invest in the mission (James 2:17) — Don’t just sit—serve.
• Commit to consistency (Galatians 6:9) — Don’t give up when it’s hard.
• Build relationships (Hebrews 10:24-25) — Church is about people, not just programs.

Conclusion

Let’s go back to where we started: Imagine if we treated our marriages, friendships, or families like we treat consumer goods—switching them out when they no longer “suit” us. We would never grow. We would never experience real love. That’s not how relationships work—and it’s not how the church works either.

The church is not a service to critique; it’s a spiritual family to love. It’s not a product to enjoy—it’s a body to serve. It’s not a building—it’s the temple of the living God, built from our lives, joined together for His glory.

So, let’s stop asking, “What do I get?” and start asking, “What can I give?” Let’s be contributors—not consumers—because when the church functions as God intended, it becomes one of the most beautiful, powerful, life-giving communities on earth.

Fishing the Pond . . . and the Deep!

The last two summers I have tried to take up fishing again; I used to fish when I was younger. Wormy fingers and the smell of salmon eggs are nothing new, but I seem to have forgotten the important things. By important, I mean the things that go beyond the basics -- I know how to tie a line, bait a hook and all of that -- I just don't remember how to get the fish to cooperate.

When I was growing up, I don't remember many Saturdays going by that my grandfather hadn't planned a fishing expedition up to Millerton Lake. Unlike me, my grandfather knew how to get the fish to cooperate; not only on his line, but on my line too! He'd say. "Looks like a big one right over there by that log. I'd cast, and sure enough, the fight was on!

This "fish-cooperation" technique he had seemed to rub on everyone in the boat. In fact, even today, my dad, uncles and cousins have the same ability -- I've got news clippings and photographs of the whale-like "stripers" they have pulled out of the backwaters of Millerton.

My grandfather was a successful fisherman because he knew how a fish thought. Sounds silly, but it's true. He knew what a bass liked, given the condition of the lighting, the weather and the time of day. He would float along, suddenly pick up his pole, cast out, and sure enough, a five-pound bass would jump right out of the water holding Daddy Jim's top water lure in its mouth! He had developed the skills he needed to keep my grandmother's frying pan full.

In today's world, fishing-for-food has given way to fishing-for-sport. Not many people have to fish to survive, so few people have developed fishing to such an art form. Instead, we have developed great systems for providing the fish we eat. Commercially-produced fish are practically farm-raised now, and the fish in the lakes are left alone.

For instance, I remember a restaurant not far from campus when I was in college that advertised "pond-raised" catfish. Just think about it -- pond-raised --that means there is no trouble to get the fish. "You say you want catfish for supper? Well, wait just a minute while I go out back and rustle you up one!" no waiting on the bank in the hot sun for the fish to make his decision. No skill needed to bait the hook or cast the line. No trouble hitching up the boat and driving to the launching ramp.

So, what's my point? Well, fishing is a Biblical topic. Peter and Andrew had been out on the lake all night when Jesus told them to try once more in deeper water. They had hardly caught a fish that night, but when they cast out as Jesus told them, they hauled in so many fish that their boat was beginning to sink. (Luke 5:1-7) Then, Jesus said, "Don't be afraid; from now on you will catch men." (Luke 5:10)

From that day forth, Christ's disciples have been fishing for men. From the church of the first century, to the church of today, the disciples have had the responsibility of following in the footsteps of the Master. (Matt. 28:18-20)

Somehow, though, we have begun to follow the techniques of the commercial fishermen. Most new converts in our congregations today are pond-raised. The typical new converts now are our own children! Now, don't misunderstand me, I think that if we are unable to convert our children, we would be failing in our responsibilities to both them and the Lord. But, perhaps we need to look at what kind of emphasis we are putting on evangelizing the rest of the lost -- those whom are in the deep and dark waters of the world.

Stop and examine our practices. Are we spending most of our effort in converting the "easy catch?" Think about the last evangelistic effort you were involved in. What inroads into the community were made? Most of our gospel meetings and lectureships are designed more for us than for the non-Christian. Few of the youths attending our youth rallies and forums are from "outside."

Please, don't mistake this for an indictment of any particular congregation -- I simply want to draw attention to what practices we are unknowingly falling into; harvesting a few from the pond, feeling satisfied that our creels are full, leaving the lakes and rivers full of others still in their lost and weary condition. Because of this, we run the risk of no longer developing the necessary skills of fishing for men.

If many of us were honest with ourselves, we would have to admit that we expect the evangelism to be carried out by someone besides ourselves -- like we expect our fish to be brought to market. Many of us take great comfort in knowing the "minister" is there -- after all, "isn't that his job?"

Today's pews hold many who are like I am in my fishing; knowing some of the basics, but lacking in experience and skill. If the church is to harvest beyond what the pond will bear, we all need to develop our skills of true evangelism -- not the gimmicky stuff that tends to draw the curious who play at the "fancy" lure, but the kind that presents the gospel of Christ -- letting it draw those who are seriously looking for the answers to their needs; those who will grab it and hold on tight! (1 Tim. 5:12; 2 Tim. 4:1-4)