DAY FIVE - Invitation to live humbly

Philippians 2: 1-11 (MSG)

 “If you’ve gotten anything at all out of following Christ, if his love has made any difference in your life, if being in a community of the Spirit means anything to you, if you have a heart, if you care—then do me a favor: Agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends. Don’t push your way to the front; don’t sweet-talk your way to the top. Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead. Don’t be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand.

 Think of yourselves the way Christ Jesus thought of himself. He had equal status with God but didn’t think so much of himself that he had to cling to the advantages of that status no matter what. Not at all. When the time came, he set aside the privileges of deity and took on the status of a slave, became human! Having become human, he stayed human. It was an incredibly humbling process. He didn’t claim special privileges. Instead, he lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a selfless, obedient death—and the worst kind of death at that—a crucifixion.

Because of that obedience, God lifted him high and honored him far beyond anyone or anything, ever, so that all created beings in heaven and on earth—even those long ago dead and buried—will bow in worship before this Jesus Christ, and call out in praise that he is the Master of all, to the glorious honor of God the Father.”

My Lesson~ Some habits form quickly and Bella has a few quirky ones. Each morning after breakfast Glenn gets down on the living room floor and plays with her for awhile before he heads into his office to start work. She knows her window of opportunity with him is limited to a short time in the morning and she wants every second of his attention she can have. For the past week or so, this has meant her coming to the table where we’re finishing up our breakfast. She barks, jumps up on him, pulls on his clothing and dances to get him to move to the living room. He usually says, “Alright, is it time to play?” and goes to join her. But today was different. She started dancing and barking for his attention but he said to her, “No. Lay down. I’m not finished yet.” Of course, Bella couldn’t (or should I say wouldn’t) understand this. After all, shouldn’t the world revolve around her and her desires? Isn’t she entitled to this time of play? Isn’t chasing a squeaky ball more important than that cup of coffee that you’re taking forever to empty? 

As much as I hate to admit this, like my puppy, I too am self- absorbed. Without even consciously thinking about it, I live with the mindset that my thoughts, my ways are the right way. Oh, that I could be a little less like Bella and more like Jesus. That I would willingly lay down my will for the Father’s. To see to the interests of others rather than just focusing on my own. To consider the needs of folks around and to desire His time table… 

When I focus on my wants and what I think I rightly deserve, rather than finding happiness, I fall into a dark hole that has no end. I’m so busy barking and running that no matter how long I keep at it, there’s no end to my desires. It’s an empty chasing of the wind. However, in those moments when I seek His will, rather than my own -- the strangest thing happens. I have joy and contentment. For His will is better than my own. He knows what I truly need; for my good and His glory.  

Prayer~ Father, I so quickly lose sight of the truth and buy into the lie of “if only I had…” then I would be happy. Lord, help me live humbly; to live a life that’s about more than “me.” There is nothing other than You that will bring lasting satisfaction. For those times that I’m tempted to seek my own desires rather than Yours, remind me of this. Forgive me for focusing on my wants and not considering the people around me. May I live with a grateful heart today. In Christ name, Amen. 

Invitation~ With God’s help, embrace the freedom and joy that is found in self forgetfulness. Seek God and His will moment by moment to truly live a life that’s centered in Him and blessed beyond measure.