Let this mind be in you which
was also in Christ Jesus. Philippians 2:5
Attitudes do not just
happen; we choose them. Paul urged believers to have the same attitude that
Jesus had. Jesus was the Son of God. His place was at the right hand of His
Father, ruling the universe. No position could be more glorious or honorable
than the right hand of the heavenly Father. Jesus’ relationship with the Father
gave Him the right to this honor.
Jesus chose not to
hold on to this right. Nothing, not even His position in heaven, was so
precious to Him that He could not give it up if His Father asked Him. His love
for His Father compelled Him to make any sacrifice necessary in order to be
obedient to Him. When the Father required a spotless sacrifice for the
redemption of humanity, Jesus did not cling to His rights, nor did He argue
that He should not have to suffer for the sins of rebellious creatures of dust
(Isa. 53:7). Rather, He relinquished the glory of His heavenly existence in
order to become a man. He was born in a cattle shed; he slept in a feeding
trough. His life was spent preparing for the day when He would suffer an
excruciating execution. All of this He did willingly.
We are tempted to hold
tightly to things God has given us. We say, “I would be willing to give up
anything God asked of me, but I just don’t think He would ask me to give
anything up!” The Father asked His Son to make radical adjustments in His life.
Can we not expect that He will ask us to sacrifice privileges and comforts as
well?
If you find yourself
resisting every time God seeks to adjust your life to His will, ask the Spirit
to give you the same selfless attitude that Jesus demonstrated.
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