Attitude
Originally scheduled for March 13
Most of us have an attitude problem — with our
attitude. Whatever our attitude might be, we believe it to be
justified to the point that we don’t even think about it. Christ
sets us a different example.
Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus,
who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality
with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form
of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being
found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming
obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
(Philippians 2:5-8 NASB)
Equality with God the Father
was something available to Christ; but note the attitude. Available,
but not something you should reach out for and grab with both hands.
We see this in his life:
·
Christ “emptied himself.” The word in
the original Greek is the same one used empty a wastebasket fully
and completely. He divested himself of all honors and titles so that
he might come and be Savior to us.
·
He humbled himself. Most of us think
of humbling is something somebody else does to us — or we do to
somebody else. Perhaps we can think of it this way: when your
four-year-old granddaughter invites you to tea at her dollhouse, how
can you refuse? Perhaps we are the ones he sees like you see your
granddaughter.
·
He was obedient to his Father’s will
even to the point of dying on the cross. He said “Thy will be done.”
All in all, a different attitude than many of
us have. What can we do to imitate his attitude in our own lives?
·
Do we set aside our pride for the
sake of other Christians?
·
Are we willing to humble ourselves
for the sake of the gospel? If someone asked you to join a prison
ministry team, would you consider it somebody else’s problem?
·
Then there is the simple matter of
obedience: do you follow the teaching that Christ has given you? Do
you listen to his message and obey?
You are about to take the body and blood of
Jesus Christ. In all of his teaching Christ established exactly one
ritual that was to be repeated frequently — communion. It is the
message he wants to deliver over and over again so that you will not
forget what he did for you. His sacrifice on the cross shows his
humility; it shows his obedience and his willingness to sacrifice.
Most of all it shows his love for us.
So, as you partake, remember that you are taking the body and the
blood of Christ in the form of the bread and the cup., Remember what
He has done for you.
