“The Servants Heart”

Tuesday, February 28, 2017

who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.” (Philippians 2:6-9)

God commands us to develop the spirit of Christ. (Vs. 5) Such a selfless spirit promotes unity in the family of God. (Vs. 1-4)  

To fully grasp the spirit of Christ, we must first understand his existence before he appeared in the flesh. (John 1:14)  Though equal to God in glory, Christ did not cling to this state, but willingly laid it aside to come in the likeness of man. He laid aside the honor of His throne and became a man.

There are three virtues that are worthy of our thoughts as we strive to emulate the spirit of Christ. First, he became a servant.  Isaiah (see Isaiah 52:13) prophesied of the suffering servant 700 years before: "He shall see the labor of His soul, and be satisfied. By His knowledge, My righteous Servant shall justify many, For He shall bear their iniquities. (Isaiah 53:11)

Jesus’ attitude toward sinful man was one of complete service. (Matthew 20:28) In pursuit of unity, it is necessary for us to take that position as well. (John 13:1-17) One who serves is one who loses themselves to unselfishly meet the needs of others. Can you imagine a family or a church full of such people?

Second, as a man he became obedient. Repeatedly Jesus reminded his followers of his earthly mission.  "Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work.” (John 4:34) Disciples of Christ must have the same spirit.  They are called to be totally given to the Father’s cause. When one is fully given to the will of God there is no room for self-aggrandizement that promotes discord.

Third, Jesus was obedient to his death. Jesus died the death of a condemned criminal. New Testament writers tell us he hung on a “tree”.  (Galatians 3:13) Early disciples were glad to identify with this symbol of shame. (Acts 5:30; 10:39; 13:29)

Do you agree that relationships from family to church would improve if those involved would have this attitude? “By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.”  (1 John 3:16)  We must be willing to die that others might live. 

Jesus did not come to please himself nor do we find him in the high places of the world. He did not seek his own comfort but the comfort of others. He went about doing good and caring for others. He died so we could enjoy the highest state – to be called children of God. Christ’s disciples must also mind these things.

By George Slover 
 

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