FROM THE EDITORS December 22, 2008 Issue

WHAT IT'S REALLY ALL ABOUT

Editor

IT'S HARD TO THINK of an innocent child lying in a manger—as tradition holds–as one who would go on to literally transform the world without ever becoming a CEO, the president of a major nation, or an eloquent and opinionated talk-show host. Even as Jesus was growing up, the clarity of his thought and his trust in God were exceptional. He was "on the move," but not seeking his own glory. Rather, he was "about his Father's business," as he put it at the age of 12 (see Luke 2:49).

To those who hunger for fame and glory—whether in politics, business, entertainment, or a myriad of other venues, Jesus' life offers a powerful message. There's winning for the short term, and then there's winning for eternity—a subtle but important difference.

The financial turmoil that is still rippling through the global economy, and the egotism expressed in business, politics, and other venues, exemplify what happens when winning becomes the only thing—and at a deep cost. The antidote to that temptation is seen in the life of this Jewish child who went on to preach to all who would listen, and to offer up his life to save humanity. However materially humble his beginnings may have been, his accomplishments could not be ignored.

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