Is Christ’s Attitude Our Attitude?

Philippians 2:3-8 NASB
“Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility consider one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, as He already existed in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but emptied Himself by taking the form of a bond-servant and being born in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death: death on a cross.” Emphasis is mine.

Galatians 5:13-14 NASB
“For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but serve one another through love. For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

I’m deliberately not going to indicate where the attitude of Jesus could or should be applied in our current volatile and divided mentality, but as you recall, Jesus said that the servant is not greater than the Master (John 13:16). If Jesus, who already existed in the form of God, did not consider His equality with God something to be held onto (grasped) and could empty Himself and take the form of a bond-servant, then who are we, not to do likewise, when called upon to do so?

Yes, I know, this is not always easy, but there is no denying that the attitude that Jesus displayed and the attitude that we sometimes display, are in stark contrast to this guidance that we have been given in God’s Holy Word.

The freedoms that we have been given in Jesus are not to be used as an opportunity for the furtherance or fulfillment of the flesh, but rather to serve one another through love. Is it just me or do we get this totally backwards far too many times? Is this practical if we are living in the world but not of the world? I’m thinking it is, but would it be practical if we are living in the world and of the world? I’m thinking it would not.

I can’t help but think that in these times, when the whole world is looking for something which is different, we who are called to be different, have stepped away from the plate, rather than towards it. And the reason for that would be . . .?

Next time you get all wrapped up in a knot about how your rights are being violated and your freedoms are being taken away from you, consider the example Jesus gave us and consider again who you are focused on. It’s not about us and our rights and freedoms, it’s about Jesus and His Kingdom, which is NOT of this world, and therein lies the problem.

You might say, as a Christian, I am short sighted. That’s your prerogative. But conversely, I could say, as a Christian, so are you.

Something to think about.

Worthy is the Lamb! Blessings!