Bill Hybels wrote a book titled, Descending into Greatness, in which he contrasts the difference between the two words, “down” and “up.” He basically said in our culture “down” is a word reserved for losers, cowards, and the bear market. Think about how the word “down” is used-down and out, downfall, downcast, down hill, down-hearted, down under. In our culture, “up” is the word that is cherished and worshipped. “Up” is a word reserved for winners, heroes, and the successful. It is a word to be admired and pursued- upscale, up and coming, upwardly mobile, upper class. From the world’s perspective, the only direction to go is up. Up is the direction of greatness. But the Bible teaches exactly the opposite from what the world teaches. The Bible says that if you really want to be great, then the direction you must go is down. The Bible teaches you to descend into greatness. That sounds so strange and unusual. We have been taught our whole life that you ascend into greatness. One day Jesus got down on His hands and His knees, and He washed the disciples’ feet. And Jesus said, “If you really want to be great, then be a servant.” You don’t ascend to greatness, you descend into greatness. The more feet you wash, the greater your life will be.
– Dr. Tim Thompson