Flipt The Script
READ
We live in a world obsessed with power. Climb the ladder. Make a name for yourself. Win at all costs. Leverage your platform. The loudest voice wins. The strongest survive. Then Jesus shows up and flips the entire script.
Let’s take a moment to read 1 Corinthians 1:26-31:
Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.”
REFLECT
Paul reminds the Corinthian church to look around at themselves. Not many were influential, not many were of noble birth, not many had impressive credentials. Yet God chose them. Why? To shame the wise and strong, to nullify the things that are, so that no one can boast before Him.
This is the subversive genius of God's Kingdom. It operates by completely different rules than the world's power structures.
Jesus Himself is the ultimate picture of this upside-down Kingdom. Though He was God, He didn't grasp at divine privileges. Instead, He descended—taking the form of a servant, being born in humility, and going all the way to death on a cross. The very instrument of Roman shame and terror became the throne from which He would reign.
This is the pattern for the Ecclesia. We don't transform the world by accumulating worldly power, by getting the right people in political office, or by winning culture wars. Throughout history, the Church has been most transformative when it has embodied this cruciform—cross-shaped—love.
Think about it: The early Church didn't have money, military might, or political influence. What they had was a radical commitment to love their enemies, care for the poor, dignify the marginalized, and remain faithful even unto death. And it turned the Roman Empire on its head.
Today, we face the same temptation the disciples did—to seek worldly power and influence. We want shortcuts to cultural impact. We want to make things happen on our timeline, by our methods.
But Jesus calls us to a different way. Servanthood as resistance. Humility as strength. Love as revolutionary force. When we wash feet instead of grasping for thrones, when we give voice to the voiceless rather than amplifying our own, when we sacrifice for others rather than protecting our privilege—this is when we most clearly reflect our King.
The world may not understand this kind of power. But it's the only power that can truly transform hearts and communities. It's the subversive power of the cross.
RESPOND
Take a moment to process what God might be leading you to do in light of what you read.
What might it look like for you to embrace "downward mobility" in a culture that constantly pushes you upward?
Who in your community has little power or voice, and how might you use your influence to serve them?
REST
Take a moment to rest in God’s presence and consider one thing you can take away from your time reading, then close your devotional experience by praying:
Father, forgive me for the times I've sought worldly power instead of following Jesus' example of servanthood. Transform my understanding of what it means to be strong and influential. Give me the courage to descend, to serve, to sacrifice—trusting that this is the way of Your Kingdom. Help me see opportunities to embody cruciform love in my daily life. Amen.