The Attitude of Christ

Wednesday, September 21

The Attitude of Christ

Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. Philippians 2:7

Have you ever struggled with the issue of giving Jesus total control over your life? I certainly have. It goes against all our natural inclinations and desires to hand over control to another person. Especially someone we can’t see! Yet if we are called to be followers of Christ, then we must follow His lead. Today’s verse in Philippians 2 tells us Christ gave up His divine privileges to come to earth and suffer for mankind sake and for doing so, God, The Father ‘elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father’ (vs’s 9-10).

I’m sure these feelings are at least partly God-given and right. Jesus did not entrust Himself to certain people. Jesus trust Himself to God, The Father. Today’s verse tells us all about Jesus. Even when He had something wonderful (equality with God) He didn’t mind losing it for the sake of helping us. He never grasped or tried to gain anything for Himself. Even things He was fully entitled to, like equality with God.

Far from insisting on His own rights or benefits, He actually let go of every good thing He had, quite freely and from His own choice. He became less and less. He became a servant, and then a condemned criminal suffering torture on a cross. He didn’t take advantage of His privileged position, but gave everything up, in order to rescue you and me.

“Man of Sorrows!” what a name

For the Son of God, who came

Ruined sinners to reclaim.

Hallelujah! What a Savior!