Devotional Thoughts: Be like Christ

Philippians 2:1-11 is one of the greatest Christological passages in the Scriptures.

Christology is an SAT word for the branch of theology that attempts to describe who Jesus is.

Paul starts off with some practical instruction to the Christians in Philippi.

Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose.

The arguement is a passionate one but structured logically in the classic, "If ... then ..." manner of geometry class!

There definitely is encouragement in Christ, there definitely is consolation, fellowship and affection and compassion. If all of that is true (and it is) then strive for unity at every level - in the mind, in love, in spirit, in purpose!

Not an easy thing for humans. Get two people in one room and there will be two people pulling in different directions. Yet, because of Christ, Paul says unity is possible!

The first step to begin to make this possible is to ... Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.

Argh! That is sooooo tough ... we live in the context of our own minds and feelings and circumstances! But once we begin to look outward to the other person, perspectives have to change. Do we want that?

If we are in Christ we will want that!

Jesus set the example.

Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

This passage is an incredible description of what Jesus did. It has power an at intellectual level when you contemplate the heights from which Jesus existed then descended to and then returns to.

It has power emotionally because, for those who believe, He did it for us. He did it for me.

Lord, teach me to be like Jesus in humility and obedience. We are but a vapor here and gone so fast on a tiny dot in the vast ocean of the universe. Yet you have traveled from the highest realm to the earthly realm to lift me up from my brokenness and sinfulness. Thank you Jesus! Help me to see others through your eyes each day. Amen.