Jesus could have been anything

“I had a great conversation with one of the surgeons today.” My husband dropped his suit jacket on the bed and began loosening his necktie. “He mentioned the idea of us having dinner with he and his wife. She’s a physician, too.”

I picked up another shirt from the pile of laundry, shook it straight, and continued the folding tango. At this point in my life, I’m confident I could not only fold an entire load of laundry blindfolded, I could accurately sort it and put it away.

“Oh, that’s nice of him.” I attempted to hide the insecurity threatening to escape with my reply.

“So you think we can have them over soon?” He disappeared into the closet in search of a hanger.

“Um, sure. I suppose so. I’ll look forward to being the least impressive person in the room.”

My sarcastic comment was met with a well-deserved eye roll from my husband, and my spirit was immediately struck with conviction.

Jesus could have come to this earth to be anything.

The most prolific author. The most intelligent scholar. The most whimsical speaker. The wealthiest entrepreneur.

He could’ve been the highest ranking military official. The most powerful king. The most popular leader. Or the strongest athlete.

And yet of all the options, of all the things, the life of a servant was his choosing.

The Alpha and the Omega. The one to whom, and through, all things are made. The Son of God. The firstborn of all creation. He stepped down from Heaven to stoop and wash feet. To dine with sinners. To heal their wounds. To mend their hearts. To give them hope. To save their souls.

That was his mission, and so often I ask myself to reconsider what’s mine.

“He must become greater; I must become less.” (John 3:30) It's timless advice that the world will never deem impressive.

But then again, who are we actually trying to impress and why? Because who, believer, is it really all about?

We’ve yet to schedule a dinner date. I can guarantee that between now and then I will have no world-worthy accolades or achievements tied to my name. Yet I realize that while I can still attempt to reach for the stars, climb any mountain, and be all that I can be, if my heart’s desire is to follow in the footsteps of my Savior, then servanthood shall be my choosing.

And I hope that, regardless of where God has placed you, that will be the case for you, too.