Devotional 9-25-20

Philippians 2: 1-13
The Student Bible; New International Version 

BE LIKE JESUS 

Much of Paul’s ministry during his time was done through letters he wrote to the members of the newly established churches. It was the easiest way to communicate. His letters were to the point, and if he had heard a particular church was having problems and needed attention, he handled it with a letter. From THE STUDENT BIBLE we learn that Paul’s usual sense of urgency has all but disappeared in his letters to the Philippians. Instead, he begins writing about Christian behavior and how church members can offer help when reaching out to other people. His letters to the Philippians are more like a conversation with them. Perhaps for the first time, he asks the big question: What is God’s overall purpose for this world? The answer is as important today as it was then. 

 Verses 1 through 4 of Philippians says it best: “¹If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, ²then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. ³Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. ⁴Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interest of others.”

The Philippians have already learned from Paul that Christ lives in every Christian, and now he asks them to think about what it means to be a representative of Christ in the world. Isn’t Jesus the “perfect example” to follow? He tells them that, as Christians and as believers, they need to be just like Christ if they are to be his representatives in our world.

The scripture continues, and Paul says: “   ⁵Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: ⁶Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, ⁷but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of the servant, being made in human likeness. ⁸AnId being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross.  ⁹Therefore God exulted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, ¹⁰that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, ¹¹and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

 Read the scripture once more as if Paul is speaking directly to us today. Are we living our lives as Christ lived His? Jesus lived a simple life. He was a humble man. He never hesitated to help others when He saw a need. He loved and accepted everyone without question.  As a man here on earth, he indeed was the perfect example for us to emulate.

In the hectic, fast-paced, self-serving world in which we live today, we often allow our emotions to get the best of us. We lose our temper. We get angry. We’re tired. We skipped breakfast AND lunch. We put in 12 hours at work today. And we’re supposed to be like Jesus? When? How? It’s just too hard.

Stop. We’ve lost control, and it’s time to turn to prayer. God always listens. Today we’ll take the time to listen to Him. We are Christians, and we want to be like Jesus, so just stop. Then refocus. There are others in this world who have greater needs than ours. What would Jesus do? Where should we start? What’s the best way to help? Refocus. Refocus. Be like Jesus. Get started. God and the Holy Spirit are here.

Prayer:  Dear Lord, I want to be like Jesus. I want to be his disciple, to do what He asks of me, even though sometimes I think it’s too hard. Help me to respond to others needing the help I’m able to give. And thanks for reminding me that I will always have your help and the help of the Holy Spirit.  Now Lord, please. I know I can do this. Help me be like Jesus. Amen

Diane Feaganes