No Exemption

“5 In your lives you must think and act like Christ Jesus.
6 Christ himself was like God in everything.
But he did not think that being equal with God was something to be used for his own benefit.
7 But he gave up his place with God and made himself nothing.
He was born as a man
and became like a servant.
8 And when he was living as a man,
he humbled himself and was fully obedient to God,
even when that caused his death—death on a cross.
9 So God raised him to the highest place.
God made his name greater than every other name
10 so that every knee will bow to the name of Jesus—
everyone in heaven, on earth, and under the earth.
11 And everyone will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord
and bring glory to God the Father.” – Philippians 2:5-11 (NCV)


“So, how’s Mr. B?” I queried my son who just got home from volunteering in a nearby high school for a couple of hours. He has not seen this particular teacher from middle school and he was eager to volunteer and helped him out in preparing his classroom before the new school year would begin.

“He’s doing well, Mom. It was great to see him and he was so happy to see me and hear about what was up with me and the stuff I had been doing at school. He was asking about you and dad.”

“And…what did you say?”

“I asked him if he could pray for you because Mom, if you didn’t mind, I told him a little about what was going on at your work. I was surprised how quickly he replied that it was illegal. I mean, he doesn’t even work there in the prison.”
“Well, I didn’t mind that you told him and thanks for asking him to pray for me. I certainly need prayers.”

As we ate lunch together, he was so excited to tell me about how his time went with Mr. B. I was glad that they had time spent together today and in prayers, I was grateful for one of God’s greatest blessings in my life: “my child.”

I knew he was very observant of my own life’s struggles. He had been watching me do my steps carefully as I continued to rehearse and perform this dance of life. He knew that perfecting my moves had nothing to do with my own strength knowing how limited we truly were! He witnessed that I was quick to fall down on my knees and in tears, lift up my petitions to the One Who had strong convictions if I had done any wrong steps. He knew I read His instructions daily, as I tried to go against this world’s rules and regulations. My son saw the truth in His Word and the importance of following His commands. He understood that aside from being obedient, He also desired for us, dancers, to seek Him first on top of everything and then…to love others and even our enemies...

Through this greatest rehearsal, others are watching every step and every move…Whether they like our dance or not, what matters is pleasing the One Who is always patient to teach us the right moves!

“I love you, Mom. Thanks for the lunch… Thank You, Lord,” my thoughts interrupted by my son’s gratitude.

I fell many times as I danced. I cried many tears as I went through so much pain. I had been broken but comforted and healed anyway. I knew deep inside, there was no promise for only good, fun times as I chose to dance in this narrow stage. And the crucial thing to know was that bowing down was the first step even prior to my performance. And for those who choose to not listen and do the moves on their own strength, all the things we all do would not matter. To bow down after one’s performance was over might even be too late in God’s sight…For in God’s perfect time, there would not be any exemption.

And all of us will bow down…