Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness.” vss. 5-7a
Philippians 2:5-11
As far as Paul was concerned, everything revolved around Christ Jesus. Not only was he the one through whom the grace of God had become incarnate in the world, he was the model for the way all people should live their lives. As his followers we are the ones then in whom his mind is destined to dwell, and that means adopting a life of servanthood and self-emptying. As we give up trying to be the equals of God and the center of everything and adopt a self-effacing posture of humility, the mind of Christ will live within us. This is what it means to be truly human, and what a relief it is! No longer do we have to wander among our peers trying to be more than who we are. It’s perfectly fine to be ourselves, admit our flaws and fallibilities, and use whatever gifts God has given us to make a difference for good in every minute of every day. Oh how good it feels to be in a community that is full of such people! No more pretending, no more one upmanship, no more self-aggrandizing–we can be who we are, and Christ will be plainly seen in our loving and our caring. He will be resurrected to God’s glory in our midst!
Thought for the Day: What does it mean to empty ourselves?
0 Comments