Jesus Wants Humble Service
Philippians 2:6 (NLT)
“…He did not think of equality with God as something to cling to.” – Philippians 2:6 (NLT)
There’s joy in serving through humility.
Many people – even Christians – live only to make a good impression on others or to please themselves. But selfishness brings discord. Paul, therefore, stressed spiritual unity, asking the Philippians to love one another and to be one in spirit and purpose. When we work together, caring for each other’s problems, we demonstrate Christ’s example of putting others first, and we experience unity. Don’t be so concerned about making a good impression or meeting your own needs that you strain relationships in God’s family.
Philippians 2 tells us of Jesus’ humble obedience to the will of the Father, even onto death on the cross. It also tells us of His ultimate exaltation, how every knee will bow, and every tongue will confess that He is Lord. Humble obedience is the key.
Selfishness can ruin a church, but genuine humility can build it. Being humble involves having a true perspective about ourselves (Romans 12:3). It doesn’t mean that we should put ourselves down since we all have great worth in God’s kingdom. We, however, are to lay aside selfishness and treat others with respect and common courtesy, considering their interests, thereby displaying a true example of humility.
Philippians 2:5 admonishes us to do what Jesus did, think what He thought, and have the same attitude toward servanthood — the same mind. Attitude should always determine actions because actions always demonstrate true attitudes. What you are is what you will do. Jesus Christ was humble and willing to give up His ‘rights’ to obey God and serve people.
Like Christ, we should have a servant’s attitude, serving out of love for God and for others, not out of guilt or fear. Remember, you can choose your attitude. You can approach life expecting to be served, or you can look for opportunities to serve others more. James 4:10 tells us to humble ourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt us. Would you like to emulate Jesus today?
Prayer
Lord, help us to be humble. Make us servants. Show us each day that is all about You. Give us the grace to accept whatever ways You want to use us in Your kingdom, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Read: Proverbs 22:4; Matthew 23:11
Bible Reading Guide: Psalm 83; Acts 28:1-16; 2 Kings 19:14-37; 2 Kings 20
