Jesus' Selflessness

Scripture: Philippians 2:5-6

Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped,

Insights:  From verse five to the end of the chapter Paul begins to give us examples of a life which is truly unified and looking to the interest of others.  It is as if Paul is communicating the thought, “Okay my fellow brothers and sisters in Philippi, I know I have been telling you about this joy we have in the Lord through being unified and serving others, but you don’t seem to be getting it.  So, after further contemplation, I have decided that a few living examples of this kind of life might be helpful.  I have also decided to start with the very best example possible of one who was completely unified with the Lord and completely desirous to serve the Father’s best interests.  As a result, let’s look at Jesus and see some of the ways He lived this life of surrender out before us.”  He started by living a selfless life.  He did not have to strive to grasp equality with God the Father.  In fact, think about all Jesus gave up in order to prove He did not have to have a position of exaltation to be in fellowship with His Father.  He left a perfect environment.  He left a place where He was perfectly obeyed when He spoke and gave commands to the angels.  He did not suffer the limitations of a body full of sickness and death.  He left perfect wealth where the streets were lined with gold and He had all the cattle on a thousand hills.  He left an environment that was full of perfect praise to Him.  Jesus gave all of that up in order to show us what a selfless life looked like.  He left all of that to demonstrate for us His incredible love for us.  Beloved, let us strive to be selfless in our pursuits as well.  Let us not care who gets the credit for the things of God, but rather let us point all people to Him, just as Jesus did.  Let our Lord and Father receive all the praise and adoration because He is the One worthy of such exultation.  Let us be selfless.

Questions:

1.  Are you selfless in the way you live your life?

2.  Are you always grasping for recognition and praise for your accomplishments?

Prayer: Father, I am so often selfish and desirous of personal glory.  Lord, forgive me of this attitude and help me to truly be humble in You and to experience Your joy in my life.  Amen.