Condescend= 1. To do something that one regards as beneath one’s social rank or dignity; lower oneself. synonym: stoop. 2. To stoop or descend; to let one’s self down; to submit; to waive the privilege of rank or dignity; to accommodate one’s self to an inferior. (https://www.wordnik.com/words/condescend)
Recently our family vacationed in a cabin with two flights of stairs. Though it was a very enjoyable week, much time was spent accompanying my eighteen-month-old as he eagerly ascended and descended… and ascended and descended… the staircases. As I held his little hand in mine, I noticed how much easier it was for him if I reached the next step first and then helped him to my level. If I remained on the upper step while he attempted to lower himself, his balance (and mine) were thrown off. Letting go of his hand and allowing him to climb down the staircase on his own was quite tempting, as I felt there were many other tasks I could be doing, and he seemed to be handling the stairs pretty well. However, I knew that letting him navigate the steep steps on his own put him at great risk of falling. Therefore, each time he shuffled to the staircase, one of us adults or older siblings ran to help him.
I am certain this is not a novel idea; however, I was fascinated as I compared this to every aspect of life with my children. As my kids learn and simply live out life, my job is to run to help them. If I want them to safely and wisely navigate each situation in which they find themselves, I must model the correct response myself before they can follow. This often means a complete and utter intrusion on whatever activity I may be engaged in at the time. My life comes to a halt at that moment as I determine the most important task is to train my child and help him/her along. Often I am persuaded to leave them to themselves, knowing they will “come out on the other side just fine,” but I know deep down that I have missed an opportunity to train them in the ways of the Lord. They look fine and seem physically intact, but there is something lacking in their souls because I did not stoop down in that moment.
This illustrates the concept of condescending. It is a stepping or stooping down for someone- a laying down of our lives to benefit someone else. Jesus modeled this time and again, descending from His lofty rank to give us an example of how to live. He came to earth as a baby, completely vulnerable and dependent on others in every way. He descended, living among us sinners, when all the glory of heaven was offered Him. He gave up all comforts while here, having no established home on this earth as an adult, but traveling about seeking the lost to save. Jesus chose death to redeem us and grant us the ability to have eternal life. In the days leading up to this, He chose to continue serving others rather than focus on all His hardships and upcoming pain. One of these acts of service involved the lowly task of washing the disciples’ feet. Like us, the disciples were not worthy of this kindness- not long before this event they had been arguing about which of them were the greatest. They had lived with Jesus, watching Him perform numerous miracles and hearing all of His teachings, and yet still were not exhibiting complete faith in their Master and continuing to sin in the very areas in which the Lord was training them. One of these disciples would hand Jesus over to be killed in just a few hours. And yet the Lord continued to stoop down, showing them the way over and over again.
Condescending is not something I should do because I deem others worthy of laying down my life. I should do it because the Father commands it and did it for me. I should do it because I love God and those He has placed in my life (John 14:15; 1 John 4:7-12,19). Becoming frustrated when one doesn’t seem to be “getting it” must make me turn back to Jesus for help. May I not forget the times I have needed repeated instruction and training. And may I not forget that even as an adult, I still need training and others condescending to help me.
Father, thank You for condescending for my sake. I am unworthy of all the great sacrifices You have made for me. Please help me to remember this as I live out my life with my children, my husband, and all those around me. May I lay down my life to help others and do Your will. In Jesus’ name, amen.
“By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.” 1 John 3:16
“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich.” 2 Corinthians 8:9
“Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.” Philippians 2:3-8
“Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.” Ephesians 5:1-2