Year in the Bible Daily Reading:
Exodus 29-31; Philippians 2 Listen to Today's Reading
Philippians 2:1-11
Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but to each of you to the interests of the others. 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[b] 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 2:1-11 (NIV)
Philippians is one of Paul’s letters to the church in Philippi about 60-62 AD. Possibly co-authored by Paul’s traveling companion Timothy while Paul was in prison. Philippi was a Roman colony in Macedonia (modern day Greece). Paul had founded this church during his second missionary journey with Timothy and a few others.
This letter is calling us all to something that is difficult for us, being humble. The world teaches us to look out for ourselves, put yourself first, defend our reputation, get what we deserve, and not worry about others. Paul is asking the church members to be unified (like minded) and to love, like Jesus did. He gave us an example of how to be humble and love others more than ourselves.
Paul asks the Philippi church to do nothing out of selfish ambition, but in humility value others above ourselves. Jesus modeled this behavior during His days on earth as He, God himself, became a servant in human likeness. He humbled himself even to the point of dying a horrible, criminal’s death on the cross.
This is not simply an example for us to imitate. Jesus humbled Himself for us! He came down from heaven for sinners. He bore our guilt, our pride, our selfishness, and our failures. And because of His death and resurrection, we have forgiveness, reconciliation with God, and the sure hope of eternal life.
Since we have received God’s grace, we CAN put others before ourselves. We can serve rather than demand to be served. We can forgive rather than hold on to resentment. We can seek the good of our brothers and sisters rather than asking, “What about me?”
Christian humility is not something we manufacture through our own willpower. Our strength comes from Christ, knowing that He has already loved us and given Himself for us. So today, when pride arises, look to Christ. When someone frustrates you, look to Christ. When you are tempted to put yourself first, look to Christ who put Himself last for you.
The One who humbled Himself to the cross is also the One whom God highly exalted. Jesus Christ is the Lord. And because He is the Lord, we can rest in His grace and gladly serve our neighbor.
Questions for Reflection:
- When pride arises or you are tempted to put yourself first, do you try to look to Christ?
- Have you served your neighbor or put others before yourself recently?
- How did you feel when you did that?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus Christ, You humbled yourself and gave your life for us. Forgive us for our pride and selfishness. Through your word and spirit, give us humble and willing hearts that seek the good of others. Keep us in your grace and strengthen our faith in you. Help us to serve our neighbors as you have served us. In your name, Amen.
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