Be Like Christ

A couple of girls and I are studying Philippians 2:5-11.  Talk about convicting. 

“Have this mind/attitude” v.5 says.  Right before that, I read we should consider others better than ourselves. And, look out for other’s interests besides my own…   (I need to read this everyday-multiple times!)

Oh, so the Philippians struggle with this like I do?

Then I read how Paul puts it in perspective…

Jesus- He is God- knew He was God- but did not consider equality with God something to be grasped.   Jesus èGodèCreator of ALL THINGS -by Him, through Him, and for Him were ALL THINGS made-  And in Him ­ALL THINGS hold together.   He was there when I was made in the secret place (Ps.139:15).  He calmed a raging storm, walked on water, fed thousands, healed diseases, cast out demons, raised people from the dead, rendered a fig tree unfruitful, changed water into wine, and forgave a lame man- a prostitute- an adulteress, etc.

He could have used His power for personal benefit.  Ha, what would I do if I could have His abilities for a day?

But, no, He “made Himself NOTHING” or emptied Himself taking the form of a bond-servant- which means [to completely and absolutely assign all personal rights over to the authority and will of another person].  (The Discovery Bible pg. 542) 

He was born in the likeness of man… God to human… (ponder THAT for a while…)

Then- perfectly obedient to the Father’s will- obedient to die the death the Father chose for Him (beatings and floggings and mockery of this innocent God/Man beforehand).  Not only innocent, but

                         Perfect,

                                  Good,

                                           Gracious,

                                                            Kind,

                                                                    Gentle…

He hung on a cross- cursed (Gal 3:13)

                                                            For hours

                                                       Forsaken by God-

                                                Weighted by the full brunt sin-

                                                                  Mine

                                                                 Yours

                                                             Everyone’s                                                    

Hmm…“Have this mind/attitude”…      

                Consider others better than myself... 

                And, look out for other’s interests as well besides my own…

If Jesus, God, could empty Himself and let go of All His rights, surely, hmm, what…could…I?  

Gina Linden, Domestic Adoption Social Worker