Get to the Back of the Line

Philippians 2:6-11

From humble servant to exalted King… Today’s passage brings to mind Matthew 20:16, “So the last will be first, and the first will be last.”  Jesus very well could have used his stature as God’s son to demand obedience from others, but he didn’t.  He didn’t ask for special treatment.  He was just a man among men.

Jesus, who was everything, made himself nothing.  He didn’t take advantage of his power and authority to get out of doing things.  Instead, “he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death - even death on a cross” (v. 8).

Because Jesus made himself last, God made him first.  “Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name” (v. 9).

Jesus gives us a wonderful example.  Our adulation will not come here on earth, but with our Father in heaven.  This isn’t the time or place for a big ego.  We’re called to be humble servants who love the Lord.  If we go through this life acknowledging Jesus Christ as our Savior, then we will have done what we are called to do.  A glorious new life will be waiting, and we can trade in our humanness for a royal robe in God’s kingdom. Our riches will come in the form of salvation and eternal happiness.

Now would I still like Publisher’s Clearing House to show up at my door with an oversized check?  Certainly! But as a follower of Christ, I know where my true treasure lies.  I just need Scripture and people like Paul to keep reminding me of that.

Jesus reminds us to be humble

December 27

Scripture Reading

Read Luke 18:8-14 and reflect on the passage.

I can still see the Sunday School picture of this parable as I first learned it. All of us kids wondered: Who would be so stupidly arrogant as this boastful Pharisee? We didn’t even realize that we were judging ourselves as better than the Pharisee, just the Pharisee had thought himself better than the tax collector!

“Oh, we all can get that Pharisee-stupid some time or other,” our teacher assured us, “whenever we forget we’re sinners like the tax collector.” She suggested that Jesus tells us this story because He wants us to work like a saint but worship like a sinner. Because of Jesus’ sacrifice for us, we can come to God as forgiven sinners. What gratitude to God we—as forgiven people—can have! Then, because of God’s spirit in us, we have the power to do the good works He has prepared for us. What amazing things God can work in us when we follow Him! Worship with the thankfulness of a sinner who doesn’t deserve God’s kindness. Work with the energy of a saint of God’s own making in His Spirit’s power.

Questions

1.      How can you do the right thing for the right reason?

2.      How does the opinion of others mess with your faith life?

Prayer

Jesus, You wash us clean. You power us up. You prepare the way for us to go. When we stumble, rescue us again. Thank You.

—Pam Mann

Search My Heart

Philippians 2: 1-11 is one of my favorite passages in scripture. My bible is filled with notes on this page. I love how it lists benefits we receive being a follower of Christ; encouragement, fellowship, tenderness and compassion.  I experience these wonderful benefits most, when I am around other believers.

The passage immediately gives us a challenge. God doesn’t want us to only stay around situations where we only experience these benefits. We are called to take those benefits and serve others.  As a Christian this shouldn't be a surprise.  We hear and read that our job is to serve.  But, this is where a lot of us struggle.

I think there are three kinds of Christians when it comes to serving others.  

1. The one who “gets” it.  Serving seems to flow from them.  It is who they are. They give of themselves freely.
2. The one who serves but it just doesn’t seem or feel natural.  They serve because they know it is what God wants.
3. The one who leaves serving to others.  They will give their money and donate items to their church or community outreach projects, but they think they are not gifted to serve.

No matter where you may fall, I believe we can all check our heart with regards to serving. If you relate to the third example, let me encourage you. I have not read anywhere in the bible where serving others is only for those naturally gifted to do so.

God has called you to serve!  Philippians 2: 5-7 tells us, “In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus...he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant…”

I think the rub comes with, WHO and HOW do we serve…

WHO do we serve?  Paul says in Philippians, “do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit...consider others better than yourself.”  

If we have a hard time serving, we have possibly put ourselves in a higher position than the one we are called to serve. Is there a particular group of people or even a singular person, you think you're better than? I know this is a hard question, but spend some time honestly searching your heart.  Take time to pray about it, asking God to reveal the truth.

When you see who it is you put “below” yourself, THIS is WHO you should serve.

So, HOW should we serve? Philippians 2:3 says, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.”

In humility.  This is hard.  The easiest way to serve in humility is when we've been humbled. It can feel very humbling when we realize we put ourselves before so many others.  This is a good place to start. It will take HUMILITY and faith, and when you are not sure you can do it, remember; Jesus did it for you.

Mark 5: 17-20

 Go to People Like Yourself

I am not able to identify with brain surgeons or international diplomats. How about you? It would be most uncomfortable to be forced into a situation where it was essential to rub elbows with the very rich and famous, as I would have nothing in common with them. Having to mingle with a world class physicists or mathematician would be awkward at best.

Put me in a room with psychologists or teachers on the other hand, and I would be in heaven, so to speak. There would be endless topics of discussion and subjects for me to pick their brains about, and then sit back and ponder as I formulated my next inquiry.

We all have a sense of comfort when with those we have things in common with. Why then do some Christians feel the need to push their beliefs on those who do not have an ear for what they proclaim? Perhaps it is all in the approach, not empathizing with the other person considering their background or paradigm (set of ideas used for understanding something) can bring out negative feelings. No one wants to be preached to about a subject they feel uncomfortable with. It is unlikely we are going to change the lifestyle of another through proclamation. Most humans thrive on relationships. We do not hear what others have to say until we first know they care.

If any of us are going to make a difference in the life of another, we must meet them where they are as Jesus did. He humbled himself. He dwelled among sinners and lepers. He broke bread with the undesirable and spoke to those shunned by their communities. Jesus lived the life of a poor man, and dwelled amidst those like him.

Jesus modeled the perfect, sinless life. We cannot even think about comparing to him, but we can grow where we are planted, spreading the seeds of love and compassion, as we reach out to those near to us. We need not travel the world to make a difference. Often we can simply "Just Walk Across The Room."

Read/Listen to Mark 5: 17-20

Review the Book “Just Walk Across the Room” by: Bill Hybels

The Rich - James 1:9-11; 4:13-5:6

"The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position." (James 1:9)  A Bible study guide for this passage defined 'humble circumstances' as meaning insignificant in the world's eyes.  During times of struggle and insecurity it is not unusual to feel such insignificance.  The last part of this line is filled with hope as we are instructed to 'take pride in his high position.' This study guide went on to say that God has honored them (the poor).

We all know someone who has lots of stuff.  They buy every new gadget that hits the market. Too often people who have all the material means they need, aren't as happy and contented as those without the ability to fill their life with things.

Now, don't get me wrong, things are nice.  I am the first to admit that I have been known to drool over the latest in cell phone technology; often planning out my next purchase.  I am coming to realize though, these things keep me too tied to the world, they don't free me up to pursue a dream, they keep me tethered to email and Facebook.

Money and the earthly security that comes with having wealth, means nothing to God.  It is not important to Him if we have lots or if we have little.  People without status or wealth are not overlooked by God; quite the opposite.  God is interested in what is lasting--our souls, not in what is temporary--our possessions.  What a good God we serve!

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