In my reading this morning I sat with Paul's encouraging letter to the believers in Philippi. The first half of chapter 2, on imitating Christ's humility, has always been a challenging word to hear...
This morning was no different.
I find myself humbled and challenged by these words from Paul to its' original recipients... because I know it is just as relevant for me today.
5Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:
6Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,
7but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.
8And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death - even death on a cross!
9Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name,
10that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
What a tall order. It kind of makes me wonder if Paul really knew what he was saying at the time... YOUR attitude should be the SAME as that of CHRIST JESUS.
Maybe it was more 'possible' for them back then???
Maybe those Christ-followers didn't have to deal with the kinds of life, family, ministry circumstances that we do today...
OR maybe they found Paul's command just as outrageous and unattainable as most of us...
OR maybe we are simply called to be so close to Jesus, in such constant communion with Him, that we [including our attitudes] or continually being molded and shaped into the likeness of Christ.
What are the challenges you face with this text?
What encouragement do you take away?
How does your ministry and leadership reflect Paul's call?
What [of this] do students see in you? Your ministry?
I'd love to hear your thoughts!
