He Humbled Himself

 

Philippians 2 Apr 6 2022

No One Better Than Another

For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. (Rom 12:3 KJV)

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. (Declaration of Independence; July 4, 1776)

As we approach the celebration of the day of Independence in the United States, may God help us to remember that we are created equal. No man or woman has been given life in order to usurp the life of another. We are each endowed by the Creator with certain gifts to be used for the glory of God and for the betterment of one another. Under our constitution it is declared that we all have the right to life, to liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. As we pursue happiness, we are not endowed with right to take the life, liberty, or the happiness of others to suit our own desires.

Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. (Rom 12:17-19)

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Follow And Serve As Jesus Serves

If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,

Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.

Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:

But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:

And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

                                                                          (Philippians 2:1-8 KJV) 

It is not easy! A war often wages within our very beings. Although we may desire to be more Christ-like, we find ourselves looking after our own interests rather than the interest of others even to the detriment of others. This world offers a lot of enticements and encouragement to be all that we can be for ourselves. But, that is not the way of the cross. That is not the path that Jesus took.

Jesus, who being in very nature God, was willing to humble himself, even to death on the cross for our sakes. He took on the nature of a servant putting our lives before his. Likewise, St. Paul reminds us that being united with Christ we are to humble ourselves and to serve one another with like minds. We are to love one another.

It is not easy, this following in the footsteps of Jesus. Our egos often get in the way. But, for his sake and for the sake of all our brothers and sisters in Christ, we ask God to help and guide us to love as He loves.

God's Peace - Pr. J