Scripture: Philippians 2:5-8
Adopt the attitude that was in Christ Jesus: Though he was in the form of God, he did not consider being equal with God something to exploit. But he emptied himself by taking the form of a slave and by becoming like human beings. When he found himself in the form of a human, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
Thought for the Day: I should probably invite you to reread these words of scripture every waking hour for the next few days as they are powerful and unrelenting in their expectation of us. Paul began by telling his readers, and in doing so, telling us to adopt (take on) the same attitude that was in Jesus Christ. Paul then explained what such an attitude would look like, including relinquishing all traditional understandings of power and strength and authority. Christ Jesus left it all behind. Instead, he chose humility and sacrificial servanthood. What attitude is being revealed to us? Is it an attitude that encourages greed over human need, exploitation over innocence, convenience over the environment, and profit over people? There are plenty people who are currently trying to argue such a Christianity, but such claims on Christianity are heretical and sinful. There is no nice way of saying it! To have an attitude of emptiness is to suggest that a person is filled with what is important – life, love, goodness, compassion, joy and peace. A person cannot be filled with such things if s/he continues to fill him/herself with the lifeless and life-taking things of this world. To be empty of such yearnings is to make oneself ready for real discipleship – which is having the same attitude found in Christ Jesus. Too often we try to separate the spiritual life from our material life, but Jesus spent so much time teaching how connected they really are.
Prayer: Where do I hunger for some material item at the expense of some life-giving gift from you, O God who became a servant for my sake. Where is there not enough room in my life for you, God? Where have I placed property and power as my god? Where does my monthly spending suggest that I might worship something other than you? Wherever change is needed in my life, O Lord, help me to do so…not only for my sake, but for those who you have called me to serve. Amen.
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