Consider the two letter word “as.” Let’s face it, it’s not a word that normally reaches out and grabs your attention. It behaves quietly and sedately in most communications, whether written or spoken. It is, however, a word that can bring with it a significant impact. Most generally, it is a word that expresses a degree of comparison. “This color is not as vibrant as the other color.” Sometimes the comparison is between equals. “I like writing with this ball point pen just as much as the one on my desk.” Sometimes the word can express a degree of variance that brings a challenge or expands the imagination. “That was about as difficult a climb as I have ever undertaken.” It may be used to describe an action in a point in time. “as they were walking along, a snake crossed their path.”Sometimes the word can be used to point out contrasts. “The middle of August was as hot as the middle January was cold.” Then sometimes, this little two letter word simply brings an element of perspective with it. You see it each time I write an article in this space: As I see it… But then there’s the ways in which Jesus uses this word. Ponder these examples: As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in me…If anyone does not abide in Me, he is thrown away as a branch and dries up; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire and they are burned. (John 15:4, 6) “For I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you.” (Jesus is teaching the disciples humility by asking them to follow His example of washing their feet; John 13:15) Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in my love. (John 15:9) Take a moment or two and pause in the face of Jesus’ teaching. These few examples will occupy your mind and your life for quite a while if you will let them. Fruit bearing; discarded branches; washed feet; Fatherly love; each “as” provides sobering thought as well as challenging living. As I was saying…!