A Word from Philippians 2

I wouldn’t be surprised if just about everybody who receives this devotional thought is familiar the famous “Christ Hymn” that’s found in today’s word from Philippians Chapter 2:

“Though Jesus was God,” the Bible tells us,

     “he did not think of equality with God

     as something to cling to.

Instead, he gave up his divine privileges;

     he took the humble position of a slave

     and was born as a human being.

And when he appeared in human form,

     he humbled himself in obedience to God

     and died a criminal’s death on a cross.” (2:6-8, NLT)

Naturally, it’s right for us to be amazed that Jesus would humble himself so thoroughly for the sake of people like us, who don’t deserve it. And yet, what’s even more amazing, is that Jesus would ask us to embrace the same kind of life! Let’s not forget, after all, that Paul shares this “Christ Hymn” to demonstrate how the Lord wants us to order our lives. “Don’t be selfish,” Paul says, “and don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.” (2:3-5, NLT)

Sadly, I’m not sure that we’ll ever be able to do that perfectly. And yet, I also trust that God wouldn’t call us to a life like that unless He also intended to provide the Spirit who makes it possible.

So today, what would it look like for you to embrace the humble and self-sacrificing way of Jesus? And will you trust that “God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases Him” (2:13)? Amen.