LIVING THE SAME ATTITUDE AS JESUS

Philippians 2:3-8 says, "Don't be selfish; don't try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don't look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal's death on a cross." Paul wanted the Philippian believers to be united as one in our Lord Jesus, so that they could love and care for each other and have one mind and purpose in honoring and serving our Lord Jesus. So, the only way they could attain unity was by having humility before each other. And the standard in which they could walk in humility was our Lord Jesus. Although Jesus was God, he humbled Himself by giving up His privileges as God and became a human being like us to die on the cross as a criminal to save us from our sins. 

Paul was encouraging the Philippian believers to humble each other by thinking of others as better than themselves and not to look only for their interests, but to take an interest in others, too. As believers, we ought to do the same. We must get rid of our selfishness and pride because they are not welcome in God's kingdom. Imagine what the church would look like if every believer were walking in humility? Everybody will be helping each other by praying for each other and supporting one another. The church would become a place of acceptance and support, not to compromise the truth of the Word of God, but to help those who are in need, both physically and spiritually. We must be willing to give up our chair for those who need it more than us. When we walk in humility, we are living in the way our Lord Jesus lived on this earth. 

Walking in humility means to set aside selfishness and pride. We must be willing to show kindness by helping others. Another way to show humility is to follow the rules and policies that are in place for the betterment and safety of the community. The moment we are only thinking about what we want or our own interests, we are no longer living as our Lord Jesus wants us to live.  

Questions for application: (Think through these questions carefully, meditate on them while answering them, and let the Spirit of God speak to you.) How should I live as a believer of my Lord Jesus? What are the practical ways that I can walk in humility at my church, work, and home? What are the benefits of walking in humility?  

Take a moment to write down all your worries today. Then, lift them to God in prayer, surrendering them to His will and trusting in His guidance.

Prayer:

Dear Father in Heaven, please forgive me if I have been selfish and prideful. Please continue to change my heart so that I can walk in humility. You commanded me to love you and others, and you have given me an example of how I should live in humility. Thank you, Jesus, for giving yourself up for me that I may be forgiven of my sins and have eternal life. Please help me show kindness to others today. In your name, Jesus, I pray. Amen.