Downward Mobility – Jennifer Woodley
‘He must increase, but I must decrease.’ John 3:30 (NRSV)
John is speaking about taking the lesser approach in life. Not exalting ourselves. Not being first. Approaching others with humility. Bearing the fruits of the Spirit rather than the sinful behaviors of the world.
Downward mobility is about not giving others what they deserve by our culture’s standards, but by God’s. A friend is hurtful or harsh, we have been cheated or lied to, or we have been judged unfairly. The world’s response? Get angry, get even. Take offense and burn with revenge. Let judging and blasphemous words be fired carelessly at the offender. In short, emulate the behavior that is reflective of the culture we live in.
However, Jesus demonstrates to us that there is a better way. An approach that is a mirror image of our Heavenly Father. A way that shows others that we are made in the image of God. We have learned to respond to conflict through the culture we live in so that at times our response is automatic. But this is not who we really are. God created us to bear the same character qualities as Him. Galatians 4:22-23 reminds us what our true nature is. We are the beloved children of God made in His image to bear His image.
Let’s approach difficulties, conflicts and challenges remembering who we really are. As God’s people, we need to remind ourselves of this – often. As our behavior becomes less like the world's, as we diminish in our desires to have our own way, God’s character becomes greater in us. We become less so that others see more of Him.
Jennifer lives with her family in Australia and enjoys encouraging others on their Christian journey through writing and mentoring. Contact
