Philippians 2:3-8 (NIV)
3Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
5In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:
6Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
7rather, he made himself nothing
by taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
8And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
by becoming obedient to death—
even death on a cross!
Reflection
In his famous inaugural address, John F. Kennedy challenged his listeners not to ask what their country can do for them, but rather what they can do for their country. The good of the country was offered as a more noble goal than self serving individualism. Here Paul’s letter to the Philippians is similar in that he is addressing tendencies of being self focused, insisting on meeting our own needs and desires, and holding to our opinions. The antidote to that kind of living is humility, humility that considers others first, humility that obeys God, humility that is exhibited above all in Jesus, who even though is God, came to serve and die for us. The way that Jesus served acts as model for interactions within the church. We are to serve one another clothed with the same humility, not looking out for ourselves, but rather acting in the best interest of other.
Responding to the Transmission
Jesus is the ultimate example of servant-hood and humility. As we read and meditate on Christ’s life and death, let’s put aside selfish motives. By the Spirit we can put on the humility of Christ as we pray and ask for help to act in the best interest of others. Let’s embrace the call to love and serve one another.
