Perspectives

Philippians 2:3-7 … 3) Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 4) Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5) Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: 4) Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, 7) but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. (NIV 1984)

When I think about the idea of modeling my life, unconditionally in faithfulness to God … it is a little overwhelming to say the least. Immediately I think about my shortcomings and wonder what unfavourable effects it has on my family members, friends and people who are observers. I often find myself communicating a double standard message. But I say to myself that is part of being human. Nevertheless, we cannot ignore the real world around us. We must ask the question, “what about our/my failures?” How do they blend with the goal of being a good Christian role model? Could it be possible that our so called failures might actually hinder the whole modeling process? Could it be possible that because of our so called failures we will actually be drawn closer to God? Interesting thoughts; I like the idea of being drawing closer to God because we know that is where we find strength.

Paul the apostle instructs us not to be selfish. He goes on to say that we are not to live just to make an exaggerated inflated impression on others. But to be humble, thinking that others might really be better than we. We are not simply to think about our own affairs. We are to show an interest in others too and in what they are doing.  We must make an effort to be like Jesus Christ who, after all was God, however He did not demand and hold fast to His rights as God. He laid aside His authority and majesty, taking the place of a slave and becoming like us.

As Christians we have the power to love others. Our heart desire must be filled with good-will which never knows nastiness and never searches for something’s that are hurtful. I believe this is not the reaction of our human nature, our or heart desire; it is more than that. It is a victory achieved by our faith in Jesus Christ to love not only those who love us; or those who are lovable. Here is the hard part … to love those who hate us, to love those that I do not always love. I must try my best to love those who do not love me. This is the real meaning of the life of a Christian and this will follow us here on earth as well as in heaven.

Are we able to understand that Jesus gave up of all heaven’s glory willingly until there was nothing left, so that He could become a human-being? He gave up His divine being to take on Himself the likeness of our earthly being. I dare not ask how this was done; I dare not say that I understand all that happened; I only stand in wonder at the very sight of Jesus who was All Mighty God, hungry and exhausted and in tears; that is beyond my understanding.

The Apostle Paul under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit wrote the Scripture lesson which we have studied. Paul’s whole life was a lesson in self-denial and servant-hood. Is it not true though that visible self-denial sets in motion powerful human instincts; it was true in Christ’s time and it is still true in our time? Especially when we are the ones who will benefit from such an experience; people who have learned the role of a servant become reliable. We all believe the self-denial that Paul is talking about has its beginning in the mind and heart of us all. Christ did not consider His equality with God something He had to struggle with. Instead, He took the very nature of a servant, going so far as to die actually a criminal’s death on the Cross.

We have raised numerous questions. On the foundation of what the Apostle Paul talked about; could you find a place in your heart for Jesus Christ? Is there any reason why somebody would not want to trust Christ right now? It was because of our human frailty, our human weakness that God raised Christ up to the heights of heaven and gave Him a name which is above every other name. Philippians 2:10-11 clearly teaches that at the name of Jesus every knee shall bow in heaven and on earth and under the earth. Every tongue shall confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the Glory of God the Father … Have a wonderful “Thanksgiving.”

Would you pray this prayer with me … “Lord Jesus, come into my heart. Forgive my sins. I want my life to change. My thoughts and my attitude need to change. I don’t have peace in my heart. I really want that peace, joy and happiness that I long for. Please let the Holy Spirit help me be the kind of Christian that will bring honour to Your Name.” Amen