Surrendering it All
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage…” Philippians 2:6 NIV
Paul is admonishing followers of Christ about their attitudes and conduct, especially toward each other. He calls them to an “others-centered” life. That is opposite of the self-centered existence that is natural for all of us. He puts forth the example of Christ.
He begins by Christ’s status. He in His very nature is God. It is difficult to be much higher than that. We see scripture declares Christ as creator and the eternal “Son of God.”
Paul points to Christ’s attitude. Some translations say Christ, “did not consider equality with God as something to be grasped.” The verse above says, “…something to be used to his own advantage.” Again, that is opposite human nature. The status we have or attain, we cling to and we often use it to our own advantage.
Then we see Christ’s actions. “…he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.” (Philippians 2:7 NIV) Jesus was totally submitted to the will and nature of God the Father. God’s love compelled Him to “send” – Christ’s love compelled him to “go.” He humbled himself. That again is a very unnatural human action. Peter and James both wrote the command, “humble yourself……” (1 Peter 5:6; James 4:10)
Christ humbled Himself under to God’s plan to become a man and as a man He humbled Himself yet again, “…he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!” (Philippians 2:8 NIV) Humbling yourself under God’s hand is wisdom, humbling yourself below your fellow man is a struggle.
Finally we see Christ’s reward. “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 acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:10,11 NIV)
Christ’s willingness, obedience and sacrifice resulted in resurrection and exaltation. In letting go, He didn’t lose. In surrendering and through humility, He triumphed and was given “the” name which down to our day creates a reaction, because it calls for all to acknowledge who He is and “bend the knee.”
That’s what happened to Christ Jesus. What about us? We are have the assurance that when we yield our lives to Christ and follow His example of humility and service, that we are not forgotten by God. Human attainment comes from “looking out for ourselves.” It comes from using “our” influence to gain, to move ahead, to find status. That which comes from God is more satisfying and the reward is greater.
That is why Paul’s admonition is, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” (Philippians 2:3,4 NIV)
Prayer for today… Lord, thank You for Your example. Give us the strength and the faith to just do what you have commanded, especially when it goes so much against our human nature. Let’s us live by Your Spirit and not our own desires.