Almost every day we hear someone say “I’m going to take it to the next level.”

Whether it’s a sports star, a coach, a business man or a politician, many of them will proclaim this “next level” idea.

Usually you can’t measure it, how do we know if we reached the next level? If I am in a building and I walk up the stairs then I took myself to the next level. But if I am called to give a little more effort or concentrate a little harder it’s difficult to calculate if I’ve been successful.

In God’s kingdom, going to the next level may mean something completely different.

We don’t impress God by taking anything to the “next level.” In fact, the only thing that really impresses Him according to scripture is faith. Childlike faith to be exact. We may think if we worship harder, read longer and give greater then He will take notice. I’m not so sure.

Jesus turned so many things upside down, including the worlds system that demands we all strive for the next level.

Matthew 20:25-28 (New International Version)

25 Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 26 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

If you want to experience God, then I suggest you head down to the next level.

God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. (James 4:6)

Humble yourself, ask God for help, serve someone around you.

Be like Jesus who came down to our level.

Jesus used a towel, not a sword, came on a donkey not a white stallion, was born in a manger not a mansion and He carried no clip board, handed out no surveys and never worried about how to market His message.He humbled himself to be with the ones He loved.He healed, He forgave, He confronted the self-righteous but comforted those in pain.He didn’t seek the most successful; He sought the hurting, the forgotten and the captives.He came proclaiming freedom, mercy and a father who is calling us home.

You would expect His followers to be doing the same.

Striving to be better is great, for your career, for your health, for your family.

But the “next level” in experiencing God may very well be down instead of up.

Written by Tom Wise © Finding Wonder 2014