Imitating Christ’s Humility
A close friend reminded me of this passage from Philippians 2:1-11…
If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then 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 interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature 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 as a man, he 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, to the glory of God the Father.
I’ve struggled recently with the part that I italicized. My actions have so frequently been self-centered. I’m driven by my own selfish ambitions and pride… rather than humbling myself before those around me, friends and enemies alike.
I read and reread the first few verses a couple times… “if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ… if any fellowship with the Spirit… then make my joy complete… being ONE in spirit and purpose.” If I have the Spirit of God in me, then my life should be a daily reflection of Him. But so often, I find myself falling into the temptation of self-centeredness. It’s one of those things that’s “not a big deal,” as people say. So what if I want to focus on myself? So what if I choose to do something for my own benefit while leaving someone else in the dust? It’s my life.
“Christ Jesus… made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant… he humbled himself and became obedient to death.”
We’re called to be imitators of Christ… ambassadors of Christ… even in the little day-to-day things.
Published on 11 Mar 2008 at 5:26 pm.
1 Comment.
Filed under Quotes/Readings, Thoughts.
I appreciate this blog and whoever reminded you of this passage. It is so powerful. Don’t be afraid to remind me of it, cause we both know the big man upstairs included it for a reason. Hope you have a fantastic day, Copper!
Kata on 12 Mar 2008 at 6:54 am.