Monday, January 22, 2007

Example

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who being in the very nature of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance of a man, humbled himself and became obedient to death- even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 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. Philippians 2: 5-11.
To me this is one of the most exciting passages of scripture. My heart beats a little faster when Paul writes that every knee should bow, every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. Jesus is so wonderful, but Paul uses this as an example which we should follow in our relationship with others. This is how we should behave toward other believers. Paul writes in these verses that Jesus did four things and expects us to do them as well.
1. He made himself nothing.
2. He took the very nature of a servant.
3. He humbled himself.
4. He became obedient.
When we are asked to do as Jesus did the passage becomes daunting. It is our very nature to exalt ourselves, to be self important, to be dominating and to do as we please.
It is clear we are unable to do this without the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. Do we really believe that we can do nothing without Christ? If we do we will pray. The very act of prayer is an act of humility. If we cannot humble ourselves before God how are we going to be able to humble ourselves before man? If we do not pray then we are trying to be self-sufficient and we will never be able to obey.
The Apostle Paul writes in Philippians 2 what we should be like with other believers. Is this how we are when we gather at our local church? “Make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interest, but also to the interest of others. Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure children of God. Philippians 2: 2-4, 14.” Let us pray.

3 comments:

Karuna said...

Hi Gary
Just dropped by to say, my tulip plant died.
I got discouraged a bit, but then you're right, without God we can do nothing.
God Bless

jel said...

Gary, how are ya doing?

Mary Stebbins Taitt said...

WOW! Wouldn't it be wonderful to be able to be blameless Children in the eyes of God. Wish that we could be that perfect.

I always ask, What Would Jesus Do?

Then, I try to do it, if I can figure out what it would be. I am not always successful.