In your relationships
with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very
nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own
advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a
servant, being made in human likeness.
I like how Paul captures above Christ’s approach to being
humble…”did not consider equality with
God something to be used to his own advantage”. As one part of the triune
God, Jesus was God, and as such, could have rightfully assumed the power and regard
of God while on this earth. He could have elevated himself above mortal man and
walked a much “easier” path while he was living in this place. But that was not
the plan…that was not the design that God had put into place to redeem man. So
Jesus wrapped himself in humility. But he didn’t just dip his toe in the humility
pool, rather he jumped in neck deep, embracing a level of humility that not
even the most humble mortal man could accomplish. Earlier in Chapter 2, Paul
instructs the Philippians with the following: “Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your
own interests but each of you to the interests of the others”. When Christ
assumed his deeply humble role, he was doing exactly what Paul was instructing…he
was putting the well-being of others above his own. He was putting the
well-being of every single man, woman, and child to live on this earth above
his own. He allowed verbal and physical abuse from others when he could have
very easily smacked each one of his assaulters down into their place. He
accepted a criminals punishment even though he stood completely blameless of
any crime. And he did it all because it was the Fathers plan…he did it all so
that WE might be lifted up…so that WE might avoid the punishment that WE justly
deserve. Jesus provided the greatest example of humility…the greatest example
of putting others needs and wants above our own. There are a rare few genuine
examples of humility in this world…a world that triumphs in personal victories,
focuses on “getting mine”, and does just about anything to rise above the rest
of the crowd. Thankfully, when we open God’s Word and read through the Gospels,
we see our Savior providing multiple examples of great humility, great love, and
great sacrifice. May we seek Christ’s example as encouragement, inspiration,
and discipline for exhibiting humility in our own lives. After all, this life
is all about bringing glory to God…not glory to ourselves. To God ALONE be the
glory!
No comments:
Post a Comment