My “Down to Earth” Friend


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My “Down to Earth” Friend
	*By: Mary Loudermilk*

Most of us have some fairly intelligent friends, or at least I hope so. Several of mine rank up there with some of the best, but one in particular seems to stand out. He has advanced in his career, achieving some impressive credentials along the way, yet it’s easy to feel comfortable in his presence. He doesn’t use a two-dollar word when a dime one will do. He is humble and — well-- ordinary. People often described him as “down to earth.”
We enjoy being around people who make us feel at ease. Conversation flows without difficulty and we are comfortable in their presence. We don’t do as well with those who have a superior, “better-than-you” attitude. We tend to avoid them when possible.
Thinking about the phrase “down to earth,” I realized that this is the characteristic of Jesus Christ that makes Him so approachable. We sometimes have difficulty grasping that we can relax in the presence of the God of all creation and converse with Him as we would a friend. However, Philippians 2:7 tells us that He “made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men.” I sometimes smiled at my mom’s prayers. They were not filled with “thee’s” and “thou’s” or spoken in somber tones. In fact, she wasn’t even on her knees in “proper prayer position.” She might be working in the kitchen, making a special dish to give to a friend. To her, the Lord was right beside her and just as interested in that pie tasting good as she was. This was not disrespectful on her part; it was total child-like faith that God was interested in every aspect of her life — including delicious pies for a friend. After all, He was very down to earth and easy to talk to. When Jesus was born, it was difficult for many to realize that He was the long-awaited Messiah. He entered their world as a tiny baby, not as a mighty king. He looked so ordinary — so like them. How could this be God? Yet, He was. He became like us so that we might understand Him and His plan for our lives. Because He came robed in human flesh, the Lord understands our frailties. Hebrews 4:15 says, “For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin” (NKJV). Because He understands us, we need not fear coming to Him with our faults and failures. He freely offers mercy and forgiveness. In the hymn “Down from His Glory” William Booth-Clibborn writes in the second verse: “What condescension, Bringing us redemption; That in the dead of night, Not one faint hope in sight, God, gracious, tender, Laid aside His splendor, Stooping to woo, to win, to save my soul.” What a great thing that our Lord loved us enough to become our “down to earth” Savior.
Mary Loudermilk, of Hazelwood, MO, is a feature writer for Reflections Magazine. She enjoys traveling and exploring new places.
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We enjoy being around people who make us feel at ease. Conversation flows without difficulty and we are comfortable in their presence. We don’t do as well with those who have a superior, “better-than-you” attitude. We tend to avoid them when possible.

In the hymn “Down from His Glory” William Booth-Clibborn writes in the second verse: “What condescension, Bringing us redemption; That in the dead of night, Not one faint hope in sight, God, gracious, tender, Laid aside His splendor, Stooping to woo, to win, to save my soul.”

What a great thing that our Lord loved us enough to become our “down to earth” Savior.