Posted on 03/20/2017 12:36:09 PM PDT by metmom
No Pride of Position
Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped (Philippians 2:5-6).
Christs coming to earth is the supreme example to us of humility.
We can usually identify with what someone else has experienced when we have gone through the same thing. Even if we havent been through what the other person has, we can perhaps relate because we might someday have a similar experience.
However, it is much harder to comprehend what Christ experienced when He stooped from His lofty position at the right hand of God to come to earth as a man. Well never understand the magnitude of that descent because we never were and never will be God. Nevertheless, todays passage presents, as a pattern for us, Jesus attitude in coming to this world.
As a Spirit-filled believer (Eph. 1:3-5, 13), the Lord has lifted you out of your sin and given you the privilege of being His adopted child. He thereby allows you to recognize and appreciate a little more what humility is all about. Like Jesus, you will have to descend from an exalted level when you reach out in humility to those who dont know Him.
Jesus further set the standard for us when He did not view His high position a thing to be grasped. Loftiness of calling should never be something we clench as a prized personal possession to exploit for our own benefit. That is the attitude we would expect to see in worldly people of influence. But it should not characterize those who claim to follow Jesus standard.
In contrast, if you are Christs disciple you will see more and more of His humility in your life. That will occur as you continually exercise a selfless attitude toward the privileges and possessions He has given you. By not clinging to these benefits, you will truly exemplify Jesus attitude and more effectively serve others: Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor (Rom. 12:10).
Suggestions for Prayer
Pray that, starting today, God would grant you more and more of a Philippians 2:5-6 attitude.
For Further Study
As Ephesians 1 spells out, you have much to be thankful for as a child of God. Read the entire chapter, and list the many spiritual benefits Paul describes. Try memorizing several verses that are particularly striking to you.
Studying God’s Word ping
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.