From “Three Priorities”
The movie, Enemy at the Gates, depicts the Battle of Stalingrad: August 1942 - February 1943. After twenty minutes of raging conflict, the camera focuses on Commissar Nikita Krushev. He assembles his beleaguered leadership. “I want our boys to raise their heads…. That’s your job. As political officers, I’m counting on you…. What’s your suggestion?”
“Shoot all the other generals who have retreated and their chiefs of staff too!”
“Deport families of the deserters!”
An unseen voice counters, “Give them hope!”
Krushev looks irritated yet intrigued. He locates the speaker, Commissar Danilov, who clarifies, “We must give them hope, pride, a desire to fight. Yes, we need to make examples, but examples to follow. What we need…are heroes.”
Two thousand years ago, God provided an example to follow. His name was Jesus, a fully-functional human being. He was what God wants all of us to be.
A Model—but More than a Model
Sinful humanity needed much more than a role model. We needed a savoir, a redeemer. Consequently, Jesus left heaven. For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost (Luke 19:11). For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many (Mark 10:45).
Who Jesus was (character) determined what He did (ministry). What He did revealed who He was and is. Therefore, Jesus set an example for us (character + ministry) when He saved us, the purpose of His earthly life.
In 1936, Dale Carnegie authored the best-seller How to Win Friends and Influence People. Centuries earlier, Jesus demonstrated His know-how. He effectively swayed the feelings, attitudes, and values of first-century folk. His impact has not waned.
Why? Jesus did more than speak. He didn’t merely practice what He preached—He preached what He practiced. Jesus showed followers how to live, modeling three priorities.
1. The Priority of the Kingdom of God
2. The Priority of Persons over Things, even “Holy” Things
3. The Priority of Servanthood as a Way of Life
<<back
