In 1977 there was a terrible oil spill in the North Sea. An offshore Norwegian well gushed out of control for eight days leaking 20,000 metric tons of oil into ocean waters threatening all marine life. Upon investigation it was found that the eruption of the oil well was due to the upside down placement of a blow-out protection device. The drilling crew installing the component mistakenly thought they were placing it right-side up.

There is a parallel between this North Sea disaster and the present human dilemma that effects us all. The self-rule of humankind has mistakenly placed the basic components of life (purpose, values, motivations and meaning) upside down. Throughout history we have tried to clean up the problematic ongoing spill without correcting the basic error.

This is why the teaching of Jesus, so simple, yet profound, seems to throw conventional wisdom on its end. Christ exposes us to the original design that repudiates the installation of our current governing purposes, values, motivations and meanings. His followers have challenged society as they demonstrated that they were governed by a new world order under Christ's headship. They were said to "turn the world upside down." Actually they were turning the world right side up by restoring all to the rule of God (Acts 17:6 KJV).

We dream that we will be fulfilled by establishing our own kingdoms, possessing our own castles, and having all the possessions and satisfactions we desire. In contrast Jesus said, "Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added to you."

Today we are told that this is the only life you have so make the most of it. Jesus taught us that this life is a crucial prelude to Judgment and the inevitable rewards of blessing or punishment in the life that follows. Today we are told to do our own thing. However Jesus said that the only way to escape disaster is to do the will of God.

We have let society and situations dictate to us what we are to value. Marketing moguls put the premium on the latest products. Contemporary philosophers, educators, politicians, and media honchos put out their price tags. They expect us to comply. The result is that the 'herd' today values convenience over compassion; self aggrandizement over selfless concern. Life is cheap. People are dispensable. Power and manipulation are of greater value than meekness and being merciful. Happiness for ourselves is to be pursued over righteousness. Sex is no longer tied to a life-long covenant commitment of self-sacrificing love. Winning votes or people's approval is more important than fulfilling commitments. Character is not as important as charisma.

I did not get to see the presidential debates, but the headline I saw on the following day was an indictment on the American culture: "Character issue raised, ignored." (Boston Globe 10/17/96)

Are you confused about your life purpose, values, motivations and meaning? Are you slaving to gain a greater sense of worth through what you do, what you possess, or making impressions on others? Are you building bigger barns for your future security instead of investing in God's kingdom purposes today? Many who are regarded as worldly-wise and popular idols in our culture will one day hear the words, "You fool!" from their Maker. Jesus taught that many of life's so-called 'winners' end up being the 'losers'.

Nancy Honeytree sings a song:

Finders are keepers, Losers are weepers
That's what we learn when we're small.
But Jesus said losers are finders.
Jesus said keepers are weepers.
And Jesus said "It's givers who gain most of all."

While the spillage of our insanity continues to flood, choke, and cripple our own species, it is time to return to the MANUFACTURER'S ORIGINAL DESIGN in Scripture and replace the upside-down purposes, values, motivations and meanings with the right ones. We were not created for self-rule but for the rule of God.

Missionary martyr Jim Eliot wrote, "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep that he might have what he cannot lose."

In the Name of the right side-up kingdom,