Building Towers Upside Down

We live in a world where the values, principles, and systems that underpin society seem to have been flipped on their heads. What was once considered right is now labeled wrong, and what was once seen as wrong is now celebrated as progress. This inversion has created a culture where confusion reigns, and the foundations that once upheld communities are eroding rapidly.

Take, for example, California’s law classifying theft of merchandise worth $950 or less as a misdemeanor. Law enforcement rarely bothers to investigate such crimes, normalizing theft and undermining personal accountability. Across the globe, similar patterns emerge—systems rewarding behavior that should be condemned while condemning what should be upheld. This inversion doesn’t just cause societal dysfunction; it pulls individuals and communities away from truth and sustainability, dragging them deeper into a distorted way of living.

Building the Right Way vs. Building Upside Down

When we build our lives on Christ, we are building in the right direction—toward clarity, light, and eternal truth. This process is like constructing a tower the proper way. As we build ourselves up in Christ, we rise toward the heavens, gaining a clearer view of the world and a deeper understanding of our purpose. Just as standing at the top of a well-built tower allows you to see far and wide, building yourself up through Christ grants you the clarity to see the truth of things.

However, when we build upside down—grounded in earthly systems that thrive on moral inversion—we head toward the dirt. In the dirt, there is no clarity, no elevation, and no sustainable foundation. We are mired in confusion and decay, unable to see beyond the immediate chaos around us.

The Bible warns us about the consequences of such inversion. In Isaiah 5:20, it says:
"Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter."

This warning is not just about individual choices but about the collective consequences of building systems upside down.

A Sustainable Hierarchy in Christ

When we build ourselves up the right way, with Christ as our foundation, we align ourselves with a sustainable hierarchy. At the very top is Jesus, leading us with truth and grace. Below Him, the structure of life flows naturally: from country to community, to family, and finally, to the individual.

This hierarchy is sustainable because it mirrors God’s design. Jesus’ leadership provides the clarity, direction, and moral grounding needed to guide nations, communities, and families in harmony. When each layer of this structure submits to His truth, the system thrives in a way that is cohesive, balanced, and just.

But when we invert this hierarchy—when individuals or human institutions place themselves above Christ—the system collapses. Without Jesus at the top, there is no unifying truth to guide decisions or actions. The result is disarray, where every level of society acts in self-interest, and the structure crumbles under its own weight.

Seeing Clearly from the Right Perspective

Building ourselves up through Christ doesn’t just elevate us physically—it elevates our perspective. When we live in alignment with His teachings, we see the world as it truly is. We discern the lies and distortions of an upside-down culture, and we gain the wisdom to navigate it without falling prey to its traps.

Jesus Himself said in John 14:6:
"I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

This clarity of truth is essential in a time when systems and values are so deeply inverted. By standing firmly in Christ, we maintain the ability to discern what is right and live accordingly.

The Consequences of Inverted Systems

In a world where systems nurture inverted thinking, moral clarity and truth are increasingly difficult to find. These systems break the spirit of those who live by sustainable principles, leaving them discouraged and disconnected. Many choose to retreat, abandoning these environments in search of peace elsewhere.

But retreat is not the solution. When we abandon these systems, we leave a vacuum that allows inversion to thrive unchecked. Instead, we must build ourselves up through Christ, using His truth to stand firm and act as a light in the darkness.

Romans 12:21 reminds us:
"Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."

As Christians, we have the responsibility to reflect Christ’s light in a world desperate for clarity and hope.

Conclusion: Building Towers That Reach the Heavens

The systems of this world are failing because they are built upside down, directed toward the dirt rather than the heavens. In the dirt, there is no clarity, no life, and no sustainable foundation. But when we build our lives on Christ, we rise above this chaos. We build toward the heavens, gaining a clearer view and finding eternal truth.

Through Christ, we align with a sustainable hierarchy that begins with Him and flows outward to shape communities, families, and individuals. This structure creates harmony and cohesion, allowing societies to thrive in a way that reflects God’s design.

Let the world build its towers upside down. We will build on the rock, with Christ as our foundation, reaching toward the heavens and living as beacons of light in a dark and disordered world.