Before reading this post today, read Philippians 2:1-18, 1 John 2:6.
We have heard people say “You can’t pick apart scripture and only use what you like” and we agree. However, when we read a scripture that says “Consider others better than yourselves” we turn off our spiritual ears and speed read the next few verses. Today I’d like to ask you to unplug your ears, sit down, grab some coffee, and let’s chat.
“Make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interest of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:” Philippians 2:2-5
No selfish-ambition
No vain conceit
Humility
Consider others better
Look at interests of others
Attitude same as Jesus
No, don’t close this post…
I’ll be honest, this is something I’m currently working through. I am reading through the New Testament right now and for the past three days I’ve read Philippians chapter 2 over and over because I know there’s something the Lord is speaking and I’m just not quite getting it. I know that my attitude needs work. We are called to be like Him, to be like Jesus in everything we do, in every situation that we face.
11/27/17-Journal Entry
“Our attitude should always be Jesus’ attitude. The Bible doesn’t say “Sometimes live like Jesus.” No, 1 John 2:6 says “Whoever claims to live in Him must live as Jesus did.” Other translations say “Claim to abide in Him.” Our attitude at every interaction should reflect Jesus and His attitude, not our sinful, human nature.”
Okay, Paul (author of Philippians), I hear you… But even when these people cut me off in traffic? Even when my spouse is not seeing things my way? Even when the kids are screaming? Even when my personality is clashing with someone else? Let’s see what his response is:
“Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus; Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God someting to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled himself and became obedient to death – even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave Him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:5-11
I keep going back to this verse because I want to grasp the weight of it for myself and I want you to also. Our attitude should be the same as Jesus. I know the phrase “What Would Jesus Do” became somewhat played out several years ago. But the sentiment is true; What Would Jesus Do? When someone cuts us off in traffic, would He yell at them? No. When your spouse doesn’t see things the same way, would He respond in anger? No. And the list goes on.
Jesus died for us while we were sinners. What we did is worse than cutting Him off in traffic, yet He died for us. He didn’t just “not yell at us in traffic” but He died for us. He “made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant.”
The note in my Bible below Philippians 2:5 says, “Christ’s attitude was one of complete selflessness, servanthood, and sacrifice that puts the needs of others before himself.” Later in the note, it says “As followers of Christ, we must show His humility by living unselfishly and sacrificially, caring for others’ needs and concerns and doing good to them.”
So my question for you and me today is does your attitude reflect Jesus and His attitude? Do we show His love at every interaction we face? Do we put on a “Christian face” for church and take it off when we walk out of the building?
I challenge you today to live every moment with this thought in mind: What Would Jesus Do?