Philippians 2:1-13
Be still: Lord help me cut out the distractions of the world to encounter to you in your Word. Amen
Read Philippians 2:1-13
In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus. (v5)
Encounter: Growing up, my family had a waffle maker. I can only imagine it was a spontaneous Lidl middle-aisle purchase, and definitely not worth it, given that we used it maybe three times. The biggest problem was the ordeal of cleaning it afterwards!
One day, my Dad asked if I would make him a batch of waffles. I said 'no' and felt annoyed that he had asked. He asked again and explained that the waffles were for the church youth group that evening. Knowing that completely changed my answer. Suddenly, it was an easy 'yes.'
A few months earlier, despite growing up in church, I had encountered Jesus in a way that changed my life. What he had done for me on the Cross had become real, and I had developed a deep desire to serve him however I could. I had also learned to associate serving the church with serving Jesus. So, I was happy to make waffles for the youth group.
As I mixed the batter, I vividly remember feeling God challenge me: 'Why were you willing to do this for the church but not for your dad?'
God was teaching me that day what Paul teaches in Philippians:'In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.' God’s love for us should not only change how we treat him, but how we treat others. To be a servant of Jesus is to become a servant of all.
However, that is hard! Some people are harder to serve than others, and some tasks are harder than others. So, what do we do when we don’t have the strength to serve? Paul doesn’t simply command us to live like Jesus but reminds us of what Jesus has already done. Rehearsing Christ’s service to us stirs, spurs and strengthens us to serve others.
Apply: Ask the Holy Spirit to highlight a relationship where you need his help to become a servant.
Devote: Holy Spirit, thank you for all you have done for me. Help me cultivate your mindset and strengthen me to serve today.