“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!”

Philippians 2:3-8

This season makes me think of how humble we are called to be. We have just remembered the death and resurrection of Christ, and how He sacrificed Himself for us, so that we can be in relationship with us, lowly us. In the triumphal entry, the people are hoping that Jesus will save them from their persecution, that He will set up a kingdom for them! They wanted a strong and mighty king, but in reality they wanted a servant, someone that would do what they asked of them, even if it wasn’t what was best. All throughout Israel’s history they had been temporarily saved, and yet they ended in the same spot that they began.

Instead Jesus came as a servant, and saved them. Showing these people and many people after them, that Jesus was their king. That is who we serve, someone who was humble enough to become human, be persecuted by His followers, and then crucified. For us.

This is what love looks like, and this is what we are called to emulate. Lowering ourselves, not in self deprecation, but in perceived status. If God could come down and die so that tax collectors, murderers and me could all be saved, then who shouldn’t I lower myself for?

“Not looking to your own interests, but each of you to the interest of others.” Often times I want what I am owed. I want what I deserve and what I have earned. If we received all of those things then we wouldn’t receive God’s grace. We have been saved despite what we have done and despite what we deserve.

Treating people with respect can be very easy. I have an easy time putting my friends above me, or my wife or my kids (Maybe easier is a better word) but I can find it tough to put others above me that I struggle with, or that haven’t treated me well. This is where this verse comes to my mind, that Jesus did not consider equality with God something to be used for His own advantage, but He humbled himself and was obedient to death for all people. For those that loved Him, for those that hated Him. That is the example we are called to emulate. Who do you need to value above yourself today? If you don’t know I would encourage you to pray about it.

Prayer: Dear Lord, humble us so that we can be more and more like you. Help us to be like you and serve everyone around us. In your precious and holy name, Amen.

-Austin Christianson

Shepherding and Worship Pastor