Philippians 2:3-4 "Do nothing from selfish ambition 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."
Although Jesus had all power and authority, while He was on the earth He did not count himself equal to God the Father. He instead acted in all humility coming into human form only to serve. Philippians 2:5-8 "Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was on the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. An being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross." This truth is so powerful it knocks me over with gratitude to my loving Savior. So, if Jesus himself lived to serve others, and He is the model for my life, how can I do anything less? This REQUIRES me to put others above my own selfish desires. Do I live my life this way every day? I sadly fall very short in this area. I am so grateful that God extends mercy and grace to me daily and never gives up on me. I am still working on submission, obedience, and dying to self daily. It is very difficult indeed, especially in a culture that encourages and applauds a focus on self in all its forms. God alone will give me the focus and strength if I lean into Him, pray for direction, and listen for the Holy Spirit's gentle guidance. Colossians 3:10 "And have put on the new self, which is being renews in knowledge after the image of your creator."
I am, as always, a sanctified and blessed work in progress.
1 comment:
This is something I am CONSTANTLY talking about in my classes. Humility is such a difficult concept for so many to grasp. I always say to my students that if Jesus can turn water into wine, and heal the sick, and raise the dead, the game you just won or the college you got into did not give you the ability to walk on water, although some of them do act that way. We discuss often the difference between confidence in the gifts God has given us and the bragging that goes on when we've don't something well. Pride and ego definitely plague many young people today and they forget the grace given to them in order to be able to accomplish what they have. Lessons for us all.
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