Penthouse or Basement? The Spiritual Realm is Topsy-Turvy

Am I dreaming? The sign outside the skyscraper reads: "Spiritual Realm." I hurry straight to the elevator. "Up, please," I tell the operator.

She looks confused? "Up? You want to go up?"

"Certainly!" I swallow my annoyance. "To the top." The elevator starts ascending rapidly. I fidget.

"Isn't it getting stuffy in here?" I remark.

She shrugs. "Yeah. A/C cuts off past the 30th floor." Ding! "Penthouse." As the doors open, a rush of heat invades the elevator.

I scream, "Shut it, quick!" Just before the doors close, I notice the sign: SATAN CORPORATION--and just below it: HERE YOU GET WHAT YOU DESERVE.

We fall rapidly. In moments the A/C kicks back on.

"I don't understand. I thought God would be at the top, but it's Satan. What gives?"

"Didn't you check the directory in the lobby?" the operator answers. "God's offices are in the basement."

"The basement?"

"Yup. Offices here are assigned according to hubris."

"Hubris? I'm not familiar with the term."

"It means 'wanton arrogance resulting from excessive pride.'"

"I see. So because God and His associates are low in hubris..."

"...they're in the basement."

"I get it. If you want to go up--really up..."

"You gotta to go down, but anyone unwilling to go down--well, then there's no place but up. Here we are: bottom floor."

The opening doors admit a cool, fragrant breeze. The sign on the opposite wall reads, GOD & SON, UNLIMITED, and the line below: HERE YOU GET WHAT YOU NEED. I step out of the elevator, hoping I never wake up.

Copyright ©2005 Steve Singleton, All rights reserved.

Steve Singleton has written and edited several books and numerous articles on subjects of interest to Bible students. He has taught Greek, Bible, and religious studies courses Bible college, university, and adult education programs. He has taught seminars and workshops in 11 states and the Caribbean.

Go to his DeeperStudy.com for Bible study resources, no matter what your level of expertise. Explore "The Shallows," plumb "The Depths," or use the well-organized "Study Links" for original sources in English translation. Sign up for Steve's free "DeeperStudy Newsletter."

---

Mankinds Ten Worst Enemies: #4 Malice

Malice is a great enemy to mankind. It is evil... Read More

Love, Honor, and Obey

Let's take a look at all these aspects. The bible... Read More

Understanding the Gospel of Matthew and Why it Matters - Part 8

Matthew 3:1-3 The Preaching of John the Baptist1 In those... Read More

When Goliath Comes

One does not have to live long to realize that... Read More

Geralds Story - A Tribute to Valor

John 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that... Read More

Enough Warm-ups, Already!

Among those arriving to the stadium early were two old... Read More

The Hidden Cost of FREE

Are you always looking for bargains, especially something that you... Read More

Are You Being In Service? Divine Source

Greetings Divine Ones, I am going to ask you a... Read More

Art of Living ? Finding It?s a Wonderful Life

In Corrogue I am finding it's a wonderful life.Let me... Read More

The Forgotten Secret

It's not exactly a news flash that we live in... Read More

Why Is Your Prayer Of Faith Lacking Results?

About a month ago I opened up my bible in... Read More

De-Materialization #2

My lady Lydia was a Hawkins of the ancestry of... Read More

Past Life: Wanting to Know Who I was in My Past Life?

Before we tread into the domain of Past Life... we... Read More

Home Improvement or New Construction?

Jesus said, "No one can see the Kingdom of Heaven... Read More

How To Meditate Using The Bible Like A Double-Edged Sword

Imagine the Bible is a sharp and deadly double-edged sword,... Read More

Praying To Overcome Invisible Entry Barriers

Recently, I received a frantic midnight call from one of... Read More

The Gratitude Toll

I very often see rants, complaints, wishes and dreams that... Read More

Spiritual Spring Cleaning, Making Room for More

Do you ever get into those moods where you just... Read More

Dark Cages

Acknowledgement of our need of God and reliance upon Him... Read More

An Analysis of Western Mans Guiding Presuppositions

An analysis of Western man's guiding presuppositions, A Review of... Read More

Remote Viewing - Making Light of the Dark

Even Pandora and her box come in two versions. In... Read More

Simple

It was my intention to explain the word "simple," and... Read More

Seven Soul-Nurturing Suggestions for Busy Women

Looking for some ways to feed your soul in the... Read More

How Long, O Lord? A Meditation on Habakkuk

In Habakkuk, the prophet cries out in a lament complaint... Read More

Snowflakes

The human race had their beginning, and I had mine... Read More

An Open Invitation

"All you who are thirsty, come and drink." ISAIAH 55:1,... Read More

The Joy of Tantric Massage

Originating in what is now modern India; Tantra is at... Read More

Buddha Never Bowed Before a Statue, and Jesus Never Kneeled Before a Cross, From Divine Source

Far to many people have become "followers" rather than BEING... Read More

Traveling Out Of Body

I can see the cops coming! They're a good thousand... Read More

Change Your Outlook on Change

Make no mistake about it, change is challenging whether it... Read More

Understanding the Gospel of Matthew and Why it Matters - Part 7

Matthew 2:19-23 The Return to Nazareth19 But when Herod died,... Read More

Its Not What You Know, Its What You Do

Knowing what is right and what is wrong in your... Read More

Recognizing Self

I come face to face with self whenever you come... Read More