The Jesus Challenge

Today we are challenged with these familiar words:

You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. Philippians 2:6-9

Have the same attitude as Jesus – one that allows us to live below where we think we should be seen and honoured and not only willing to do that but to be told we are not doing it right.  While the humility of Jesus is something that has always astounded me, it challenges me profoundly when I consider that this is what you and I, as followers of Jesus, are called to as well. 

But here’s God’s promise that goes with that difficult call.

Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:10-11

Heavenly Father, We know that the only way for us to live as You have created us to live is to be changed so our lives look like the life of Jesus Christ.  If we are to experience encouragement from belonging to Him, the comfort of His love and fellowship with others, we need to have tender and compassionate hearts that reach across divides to love and work with others.

Lord, You know we are all flawed human beings. We all know some things and need to learn from others in significant ways in other areas.  We all tend towards self-centeredness and selfish ambition. But the shocking lifestyle of Jesus Christ, what motivated Him, what happened to Him, and the choices He made along the way seem to awaken us today from the stupor of self-will and pleasure seeking that have us mindlessly moving from one broken set of circumstances to another.

Lord Jesus, Help us to have the same attitude as You had.  Help us to see what that looks like for us. Work in us Holy Spirit so we are changed more into the likeness of Jesus as we meditate on His great love, selfless humility, and amazing sacrifice.  Amen

I know I need to reflect more on this call and take a look at my own thoughts and lifestyle choices.  How about you?