Have you seen the television show, Undercover Boss? A synopsis of the show from their website, “Undercover Boss is a two-time Emmy Award-winning reality series that follows high-level executives as they slip anonymously into the rank-and-file of their own organizations. Each week, a different leader will sacrifice the comfort of their corner office for an undercover mission to examine the inner workings of their operation.” As you watch the show, you see the truth in how the employees interact with the undercover boss. They share their true feelings, what they like and dislike, about the management and direction of the company. It is interesting to see how much the undercover boss learns, the truth that he or she hears, interacting with the “regular people” inside the company.

This brought to my mind, Christ. In chapter 1 of Colossians we read, “The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” In his letter to the Colossians, Paul is explaining the supremacy of Christ. Jesus, the man, was actually the physical embodiment of the invisible God. He was the ultimate Undercover Boss! In his letter to the Philippians, Paul again speaks of Jesus’s supremacy and the lengths at which He went to bring forgiveness and grace to all who believe. “Who, being in the very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!”

 It is difficult for our inferior human minds to comprehend the nature of the Triune God. But what we can know and embrace is that God the Father, in full cooperation with Jesus the Son, knew we couldn’t find our own way. So, Jesus left His throne in heaven, cast off His supremacy, as maker of all things, in heaven and on earth, and humbled Himself to become a man. He walked this earth for 33 years, as a man, suffering all the trials and struggles, that we each face every day. He chose to come and live amongst us. He sacrificed not only His “corner office” but also His very life.

“Religion” is defined as the relationship between God and man, or man’s attempt to find God. Christianity is God knowing we can’t find Him on our own, so He reaches out to us first. Romans 5:8, “But God demonstrated his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” In the end of each episode, Undercover Boss, the boss reveals who he is to the employees. Often, those who were unseen by the corporation, yet worked hard and with honesty, are rewarded in the end. They may receive a fully paid vacation for their family or money to pay for college. Medical bills have been taken care of; promotions and bonuses have been handed out. It is encouraging to see that their devotion is rewarded. With God, our reward is twofold. In this lifetime, we have His Spirit to guide and strengthen us, as we trudge through each day. But our devotion will be acknowledged in heaven when we enter into His presence! It is then, that I long to hear, “Well done my good and faithful servant.” Yes, I know that He is preparing a place for me and that I will live in harmony with Him for all eternity. But that treasure pales in comparison with His praise. So, as I struggle through this life and I try to find my way through the darkness of this world, I keep my focus on Him. It’s not a job evaluation—for I cannot do it on my own. It is only through His power, His forgiveness, and His grace, that I will hear those words one day. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good: his love endures forever.