Bottom Man On The Totem Pole

“Bottom” is not a pretty word. Its usage betrays its social status in the English language:  “bottom of the barrel,” “rock bottom,” “bottom of the food chain,” “bottom out,” and “bottom man on the totem pole” to name a few. Think about it . . . who wants to be a bottom feeder? What scholarship awaits the person at the bottom of the class? Why would anyone want to "bottom out"? Give me the top hat any day. For that matter, take me to the top of the world. I want to be topnotch among all the top guns.

But to those who live by the creed “see you at the top”, Jesus says, “don’t lose sight of the bottom.”

But Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave. (Matthew 20:25-27 NLT)

Jesus reminds me that God's way to the top is to take the elevator down, to become a servant, the “bottom man on the totem pole” so-to-speak.  And that’s not so bad.  American Indian wood carvers say that the most honored figure on their statues is the one at the bottom of the pole. More importantly, God's best is reserved for those who put themselves last.

God wants servants! To keep his passion your priority, pray this simple prayer. Pray it now, pray it often: “Lord, send me someone today whom I can serve.”