So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind....Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus (Philippians 2:1-2, 5).
 |
| Courtesy of Flickr: here |
Have you ever read a group of verses over and over knowing there was something there God wanted you to grab hold of and run with? That's where I am today in Philippians 2:1-11. Have you read them lately? Ever? They are a few of my favorite verses, not because they're easy, but because they lay bare the heart of Jesus for us to read- a heart I am so far from imitating, which is what we are called to in these very verses.
Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, (vs 3-5)
No rivalry.
No conceit.
Consider others.
Humility. (Period)
How's that for a little punch in the self-centered gut? Yeah, me too. But there is good news....wait for it..."Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus". We fare better when we realize we can't do/be what we need to do/be on our own strength, but in Him, we can. Jesus in the flesh gives us a perfect example:
who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (vs 6-11).
He came in humble submission, and He came to serve. The Gospels tell that story. Without which, you and I would be bound to a life a captivity. His servant's heart brought our deliverance. I'm sure His flesh cried out for self-gratification. The opportunity to be selfish was there for Him, in the same way it is there for us. And yet...
He served.
Does my life reflect His heart? If not, what excuse do I have?
Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus (Philippians 2:5)
In His Name,
No comments:
Post a Comment