Your Attitude

Philippians 2:5-8 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, 7 but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death — even death on a cross!
 
WHEN someone teaches you, especially regarding certain rules of behavior, what is a really good way for you to learn? It helps, doesn’t it, when you have a real-life example to follow. You know how to be a good teacher as you remember the good teachers in your life. A good worker helps you learn to work. A loving parent points you to the ways of love. Someone’s good way of life gives you a good lifeway to travel, doesn’t it?
    In our faith walk, Jesus, of course, is our ultimate life example. He came to earth as a man to personally demonstrate who God is to His creation. As Paul urged the church at Philippi to have a mind of humility, he pointed to the most true, life-giving humility in the costly sacrifice of the Lord Jesus.    
    With absolute conviction, Paul writes, he humbled himself and became obedient to death — even death on a cross! Oh yes, Jesus died on a cross for you! You’ve heard that haven’t you? Then know in your heart, the Son of God even separated himself from God’s eternal nature to die for you. Jesus let go of eternity to bring you into eternity. Such wonder! Such love! God did this work, even though we do not deserve such magnificent, unrelenting love. Does Jesus’ humility humble you?   
    What’s your response when a friend, a spouse or a stranger does something nice for you? I hope you don’t assume you deserve such treatment. I hope you are grateful and see it as God’s gift to you. I hope you are willing to repeat that kindness to others. Be as Jesus. Live in his humility. Know the Christ is your example.
 
Joy Link: Jesus’ humility is your life’s pattern.