Bible Challenge – Philippians 2

You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.

Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.

Therefore, God 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 confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:5-11

The same attitude as Christ …. wow I have some work to do! Sometimes I take this out of context and think that Jesus never got mad or felt a negative emotion. If that was the case he would have not been fully man like he was fully God. What made Jesus different from me was the attitude in which He lived. Even though He was mad and turned over tables in the temple, He did not sin! His anger was a holy anger. (now just because I may put the word holy in front of the word anger when I am angry, doesn’t mean that my attitude is the same as what Jesus had.) Jesus felt emotion, but in these moments he did not sin!

This is very important! He could have very easily went off with his words, could have retaliated, could have even went OT and called out some bears to take care of the Pharisees, but He didn’t! Why, because He came to serve and He knew there was much more at stake. You see, Jesus knew how to live in the moment without getting caught in the moment. He kept His eyes on the Father instead of the things happening around Him. He kept his attitude surrendered to fulfilling the purpose in which He came … to rescue all from the bondage of sin!

Often times people excuse selfishness, pride, or evil by claiming their rights. They think, “I can cheat on this test; after all, I deserve to pass the class,” or “I can spend all this money on myself – I worked hard for it,” or “I can get an abortion; I have a right to control my own body.” But as believers, we should have a different attitude, one that enables us to lay aside our rights in order to serve others. If we say we follow Christ, we must also say we want to live as He lived. We should develop His attitude of humility as we serve, even when we are not likely to get recognition for our efforts. This leaves me asking the question, Am I selfishly clinging to my rights, or am I willing to serve?

Father, today, let be me mindful of the things Christ did for me. Let me remember how he lived in the moment but didn’t get caught in the moment. How he showed emotion but kept under control in every situation. Help me to live today with eyes on you and not what happens around me. Help me to live in the moment, but not get caught in the moment, so you can have the greatest influence on my life and the lives of others that are watching. I Jesus Name I Pray, Amen!

When you read Philippians 2 what speaks to you?