via TJC
“In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:
Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!
Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father..” Philippians 2:5-11 (NIV)
In this week before Christmas, let us consider the Advent, or Coming, Christ our Lord and Savior.
Love: The fourth Advent candle reminds us of the great depth of God’s love for us, that he would self-empty himself (greek: kenosis). He did not come in the form of man to confuse us. He did not come to try to convince us He was who He said He was. He simply was obedient to come as a baby in a manger, as a human, in order to save mankind from a most certain destruction.
I love how Paul wrote this. It was all about His attitude – the attitude of love. He lovingly chose to be a servant. He lovingly chose to live a lowly life as the son of a carpenter married to a questionable young woman. Jesus’ reputation was a bit shaky, wasn’t it? After all, we know what children who are born out of wedlock are called, don’t we? Who was going to believe their story? He loved them anyway.
You see, that did not matter. He had a mission – a mission of love. Nothing or no one was going to deter Him from His task. He came to die. His whole purpose for living was for dying. And Paul tells us to have that same attitude. What?! Are you crazy, Paul? We can’t love like that!
That is exactly what Paul is saying. We are to live our lives with the purpose of dying. We must die to ourselves. We must die to our own selfish desires. We must be willing to die for Him if it comes to that. Our attitude must be entwined with His love. Humility, self-denial, servanthood – that is our life, and it is all done in love. Or at least it is supposed to be. What is your attitude like right now? Are you showing the love of Jesus to others.
Daily Battle Order:
As you examine your attitude and how it aligns with today’s passage, ask yourself these questions:
Do you consider yourself better than others?
Do you serve others or take from them?
Do you practice His love daily?
A very Merry Christmas to and all those near you.
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