'Tis the Bottom Rung

'Tis the bottom rung
   Where grace abounds
   Agape love surrounds
   Thy people all around -
      This world of sorrows,
      This world of joys.
I trust in Thee, O Lord.
I gird Thy mighty sword.
I learn to live Thy holy Word.

'Tis the bottom rung
   Where faith declares
   Christ's love calls us to share
   Share Christ's love everywhere -
      This world of sorrows,
      This world of joys.
We trust in Thee, O Lord.
We gird Thy mighty sword.
We learn to live Thy holy Word.

by Julie Dunlap  8-19-2012

Note:  I have been reading E. Stanley Jones' book Christian Maturity from which I wrote this song and the following idea. It is Christ Jesus who comes to us at the bottom rung of the ladder and lifts us up as we trust in Him.  In all other religions, people strive to reach God in various ways by climbing up to the top of the ladder. Even Christians often try to climb the ladder up to God, yet it is when we humble ourselves that God's grace is poured out abundantly and we experience agape love.  Upon receiving God's agape love, we are filled with gratitude and overflowing with God's love to share with those whom we live with and those we meet upon life's trail.