Today’s Scripture Readings
Psalms 107:17-22 | Isaiah 60:1-62:5 | Philippians 1:27-2:18 | Proverbs 24:11-12

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!

Paul encourages the Philippians to imitate Christ’s example of humility. What an example it is! Being in very nature God, he refused to grasp– to hold onto–his divine rights and willingly took on human flesh. In humility, God became man– and was born a babe in a manger. Imagine that, God in human flesh in the form of a helpless baby. He was born humbly: in a manger. His first visitors were humble shepherds. The whole story of his birth is a story of humility.

We see his humility throughout his life and ministry. He lives his life loving and serving others, “taking the very nature of a servant.” He takes the time to listen, to care, to bless, to help others. He lived his life, not looking to his own interests, but looking to the interests of others.

Most impressively, we see his humility in his death–a death in its most humiliating form: death on a cross. In this act of humility he demonstrate love to the highest degree.

In light of his example, we are encouraged to “be like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose.” We should “do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit.” Instead, “in humility, we should consider others better than ourselves.”

I is not an easy example to follow, but he has promised to help us. As Paul reminds us, “we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.”

With Joy,

Pastor Jeff

Tomorrow’s Scripture Readings:
Psalm 107:23-32 | Isaiah 62:6-65:25 | Philippians 2:19-3:4 | Proverbs 24:13-14