Christ our Motivation

Dearly Beloved, I trust this finds you well and bubbling in the Lord. We continue considering how as believers we are encouraged to live humble lives, how we are to consider other people, and importantly, how we are to look to Jesus for an example in humility. Philippians 2v3-8 (AMPC) says “Do nothing from factional motives [through contentiousness, strife, selfishness, or for unworthy ends] or prompted by conceit and empty arrogance. Instead, in the true spirit of humility (lowliness of mind) let each regard others as better than and superior to himself [thinking more highly of one another than you do of yourselves]. Let each of you esteem and look upon and be concerned for not [merely] his own interests, but also each for the interests of others. Let this same attitude and purpose and [humble] mind be in you which was in Christ Jesus: [Let Him be your example in humility:] Who, although being essentially one with God and in the form of God [possessing the fullness of the attributes which make God God], did not think this equality with God was a thing to be eagerly grasped or retained, But stripped Himself [of all privileges and rightful dignity], so as to assume the guise of a servant (slave), in that He became like men and was born a human being. And after He had appeared in human form, He abased and humbled Himself [still further] and carried His obedience to the extreme of death, even the death of the cross!”

 

If we consider humility, it might seem hard, but it isn’t impossible. Jesus is our example in humility. He had so much, He was God, but He decided to lay aside all His privileges so that He could become human. He continued being humble and being obedient to the wishes of the Father until He died on the cross. Child of God, whenever you find yourself in a situation when you are tempted to act in your own self interest alone and be proud and arrogant, consider Jesus. Also, remember that the Spirit of Christ lives on the inside of you and empowers you to live a life of love.

 

Prayer

Father, we thank You for Your Word this day. We thank You for who You want us to be – unselfish, thinking of others and concerned about them. We thank You for the example Jesus set for us. We thank You for Your Spirit in us and the fruit He bears. We yield to You Holy Spirit, that we may abound in love, walk in love, and thoroughly live lives that would glorify God. This we pray with thanksgiving in Jesus name, amen.