Selfless

Philippians 2:5-8 (Message)

Think of yourselves the way Christ Jesus thought of himself.

He had equal status with God but didn't think so much of himself that he had to cling to the advantages of that status no matter what.

Not at all.

When the time came, he set aside the privileges of deity and took on the status of a slave, became human!

Having become human, he stayed human. It was an incredibly humbling process.

He didn't claim special privileges.

Instead, he lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a selfless, obedient death—and the worst kind of death at that—a crucifixion.

The heart of God is that of a servant.

This passage of scripture, often referred to as the "Philippian Hymn," shows us that heart.

The Christian idea of incarnation is radical. God becomes human, with intent.

Jesus is a picture of self-imposed humility and servitude.

But that's not to be confused with a picture of weakness. That's the mistake that many made when they first experienced him. It was the mistake of those who rejected his message, who arrested him, convicted and mocked him.

But, at the foot of the cross, even the Romans soldiers were moved to profess faith.

Even in his death, Jesus didn't curse God or those around him. He served them by asking God for their forgiveness.

Finally convinced, the Roman centurion uttered the words, "Surely he was the Son of God."

There is great strength in service. And there is no greater strength than humility.

If this is the heart of God, embodied in Christ, then it must be the way of life that's best for us as well. We will need God's help, every day, to get there. But with his grace, we can begin taking steps.

Prayer: We know that your nature is to be self-emptying, giving and serving. May we learn to serve others, in the example of Christ, having the same mind that is in him.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be. World without end. Amen.

Tomorrow's Scripture: Luke 5:17-20