Philippians 2:1-11
Imitating Christ’s Humility
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 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 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)
If you’ve read my devotions before, you know that I start with what first comes to mind (which I interpret as the Spirit moving in me). Today’s reading stirred my movie quote brain and my university learning teaching leadership to young adults.
One of my favorite movies with psychology as a cornerstone (we watched it in my high school class) was “A Beautiful Mind.” (Spoiler, but it’s from 2001) There’s a moment in the movie where the main character realizes that the economic theory was wrong in thinking “every person for themselves” finds the best outcome. Instead, he realizes that when we do things that are good for BOTH ourselves AND the group that we have the best outcome. It seems like a simple concept, but despite teachings from Jesus, it took almost 2000 years to prove it mathematically.
Like that theorem, this passage reminds us to emulate Jesus by not focusing on ourselves. The call for humility comes in many ways, and being able to put others needs ahead of your own resonates for me. So often, we think if we look out for “number one” that everything will turn out fine, but too often, we find that we should have considered others and the impact of our actions on our surroundings and the people we love.
On the other thought, I have regularly had conversations with my students that effective leadership cannot rely simply on a position/title. When you demand obedience by title, there is a natural feeling to rebel or test the boundaries or revolt outright.
Jesus is the perfect leader in so many ways. He could have used his title to demand followers, but he instead humbled himself. He epitomizes the servant leader who, as the passage reminds us, humbled himself all the way to the cross. He knew what we could not do for ourselves, and He took it upon himself to do it where we could not.
Like the passage asks, I encourage us all to find ways to emulate the servant leadership of Christ. It can be so difficult to remove our wants and needs and put others first, but when we do, that is when we see God’s work in the world.
Questions for Reflection:
- Where do you find yourself putting yourself first where it’s not necessary?
- What areas do you see others' needs that with just a small sacrifice of your own would benefit both you and them?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, too often we put ourselves first. We use our titles and our positions to get what we want. Help us remember that Jesus had all the titles, and used none of them to serve himself. Instead, he humbled himself so that we may receive eternal life. While we know we will fall short, help us to strive to be like Christ. Amen.
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